Hayward's runs go in vain as Bangladesh upset Australia in Under 19 World Cup opener

Callan Morse Published January 16, 2023 at 9.00am (AWST)

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Ella Hayward hits to the leg side during her innings whilst Bangladesh wicketkeeper Dilara Akter watches on. Image: Alex Davidson/ICC.

A strong start with the bat from Ella Hayward wasn't enough to for Australia to overcome Bangladesh in the opening fixture of the inaugural ICC Women's Under 19 T20 World Cup.

The Jawoyn allrounder second top scored for Australia, scoring 35 (39) in Australia's first innings total of 5-130.

Hayward arrived at the crease halfway through the fourth over after Bangladesh opener Disha Bissau (2-25) dismissed openers Kate Pelle (5) and Paris Bowdler (7) in quick succession.

Joining Claire Moore, the pair combined for an innings-high 76 run partnership before Moore (52 from 51), was caught spectacularly at long off after advancing Bangladeshi leg spinner Rabeya Khatun.

Ella Hayward bowling delivers one of her three overs against Bangladesh. Image: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images.

After Lucy Hamilton (2) came and went in the space of five balls, Hayward was also dismissed in the same over, mistiming an uncontrolled front foot drive off the medium pace bowling of Marufa Akter and caught comfortably at mid off.

Hayward's dismissal left the Australian side at 5-102 without a set batter at the crease heading into the final stage of the innings, however some late-innings striking from allrounder Amy Smith (16 from 7) and captain Rhys McKenna (12 from 6) boosted Australia's score, with a handy 28 runs scored in the final two overs.

Australia began their bowling innings in the best possible way, with Rhys McKenna (1-31) dismissing Bangladesh opener Misty Shaha with the first ball of the innings.

However Bangladesh steadied through a 66-run partnership between AHA Prottasha (24) and Dilara Akter (40) before she fell to the bowling of Chloe Ainsworth (2-9).

Video | U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023
Bangladesh beat Australia in any ICC event for the first time in the U19 Women's T20 World Cup.

Ainsworth picked up Prottasha soon after, seeing the game sit in the balance at 3-71 after 11 overs, however an aggressive 62-run third wicket stand between Shorna Akter (23 from 18) and Sumaiya Akter (31 from 25) saw Bangladesh chase down the Australian target with two overs to spare.

Hayward went wicketless in the successful Bangladesh chase, returning figures of 0-24 from her three overs.

Hayward and Australia will look to bounce back from their tournament-opening loss when they face the United States of America at Willowmoore Park in Benoni today from 10:45pm AEDT.