The Australian women’s cricket team has survived a massive scare to defeat Bangladesh by 118 runs in the first ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The tourists were in a spot of bother at 4-48 after being asked to bat first in Mirpur, with Bangladesh’s spinners proving a handful on the slow, turning deck. Sultana Khatun bowled Australian opener Pheobe Litchfield with an absolute peach for a golden duck before knocking over superstar all-rounder Ellyse Perry a few overs later for 2.

However, Australia’s batting depth proved the difference as Annabel Sutherland (58*) and Alana King (46*) combined for an unbeaten 67-run partnership for the eighth wicket to rescue the visitors, steering them towards 7-213. King’s career-best knock featured five sixes, including four maximums during the final over, while all-rounder Ash Gardner contributed 32 (38).

In reply, Bangladesh was rolled for 95 in 36 overs as Australia’s world-class bowling attack took control of the contest. Gardner claimed three wickets while leg-spinner King, who was later named player of the match, conceded just 12 runs from a probing ten-over spell while removing opener Sobhana Mostary for 17.

Bangladesh suffered three run-outs in quick succession, with Litchfield nailing a direct hit from cover to send Fahima Khatun back to the sheds for 1.

“We never back down and we keep fighting to the end,” King told reporters in the post-match press conference.

“There’s so much belief in our dressing room.”

The early collapse of 4-42 served as a wake-up call for Australia’s top-order, who will need to tame the subcontinent’s spinning decks at this year’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

“We’re still getting used to the conditions,” King continued.

“It’s tricky, Bangladesh are obviously going to play on pitches that are suited to them, so it’s about how we can adapt best.

“The pitch was offering a lot … both teams struggled at times.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s consistency with the ball remains a cause for concern, gifting Bangladesh an additional 15 runs from wides.

The second ODI between Bangladesh and Australia gets underway at the same venue on Sunday, with the first delivery scheduled for 2.30pm AEDT.