Schutt strikes milestone as Australia cruise to victory in Brisbane

Australia began the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh with a commanding seven-wicket win at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, with Annabel Sutherland starring with the ball and Phoebe Litchfield leading the chase.

Sutherland claimed four wickets for 30 runs as Bangladesh were bowled out for 166, while Litchfield’s fluent 77 off 57 deliveries helped Australia reach the target with 24.2 overs to spare and take a 1-0 series lead.

The victory also extended Australia’s unbeaten record in ODIs at Allan Border Field to 22 matches.

Megan Schutt set the tone immediately, dismissing Fargana Hoque with the first ball of the innings. She struck again in her next over, trapping Sarmin Sultana leg before the wicket to become just the third Australian to reach 150 ODI wickets in women’s cricket.

Reflecting on the bowling performance, Schutt described it as a clinical effort from the group, highlighting how the bowlers made the most of the conditions.

“Pretty clinical. There's obviously a bit of movement for both spin and pace and that's always a really nice battle to see between bat and ball so make the most of it while you're out there.

"But I think everyone who came on was pretty good from the first ball and that's what we speak about as a bowling group is being clinical and playing the way that we want to play and I think we did that.”

Schutt was pleased to make an immediate impact, particularly given the conditions at Allan Border Field.

“I didn't expect that so that was nice,” Schutt said when asked about her first-ball strike.

“We speak about the extra bounce here at AB (Allan Border Field) and yeah, when that happens first ball it makes you feel like a fast bowler because running into that breeze is pretty tough, I'm not going to lie.”

The early breakthroughs were followed by a disciplined bowling display, with Sutherland proving particularly difficult to contain. The 24 year-old continued to underline her value to the side, using variations in pace and length to finish with four wickets.

Schutt was full of praise for Sutherland’s development, pointing to her work ethic, composure and willingness to keep adding to her game.

“She just keeps getting better and better and really quickly too. I used to call her Mini Pez (Ellyse Perry) back in the day and I think just the way she goes about her cricket is really cool.

“She's really logical when she needs to be. Knows there's room to move in areas but doesn't obsess on things and just having that freedom of mind and also that work ethic behind it at such a young age is incredible. 

“Half the time I forget something that I want to try out there so she doesn't forget and that's really cool and obviously she's got the pace behind her, the strength. To see her having all the tricks is really cool but also just her composure under pressure is incredible for her age and she's got a long bloody career ahead of her.”

With 150 ODI wickets now to her name, Schutt also reflected on reaching the milestone, admitting it had caught her by surprise.

“Yeah, not one for milestones. I didn't know that was coming so that was cool.”

“Makes me feel extra old if I'm honest but yeah, at the end of the day it's a number.

“It sounds really good when it's announced for the crowd and stuff but yeah, hopefully a few more in the bag still.”

Australia’s response with the bat was just as assured. Litchfield struck 77 off 57 balls, playing her trademark attacking strokes before falling to Rabeya Khan. Her innings ensured the chase remained firmly under Australia’s control as they wrapped up the win comfortably.

Schutt credited Litchfield’s positive approach for taking pressure off the rest of the batting line-up.

“I thought we're pretty clinical with the bat as well the way Pheebs just went out there and played her game. She's always angry when she gets out and I'm not sure why, but the way she takes the game on when you're chasing a total like that just takes all the pressure off everyone else.”

The series marks Bangladesh’s first ODI tour of Australia, with the visitors looking to build on the experience of competing against one of the leading sides in the format. Australia, meanwhile, will look to carry their opening-match momentum into the second ODI as they continue their preparations for the inaugural ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in India from 14 February, 2027.

Series schedule:

1st ODI: Friday, 9 October, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
2nd ODI: Sunday, 11 October, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
3rd ODI: Wednesday, 14 October, Allan Border Field, Brisbane