Australia registered a 107-run victory over Pakistan in the Women’s ODI World Cup on Wednesday. This was Australia’s second win in the tournament. Chasing a target of 222 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan were all out for 114 in 36.3 overs.
This is the third consecutive defeat for the Pakistan women’s team in this Women’s World Cup. Earlier, it was defeated by India (88 runs) and Bangladesh (seven wickets). With the third consecutive defeat in the current tournament, Pakistan’s team reached the last (eighth) position in the points table. Meanwhile, Australia is at the top with five points after winning two out of three matches and one match being cancelled. India is at the third position with four points from two matches.
Australia
The Australian team got off to a disastrous start. Pakistan’s spin bowling put the Kangaroo batsmen on the back foot with early blows. Nashra Sandhu (3/37) and Sadia Iqbal (2/34) combined to dismantle Australia’s top order.
Beth Mooney once again showed her class. She batted resolutely and along with Elana King turned the match around. Mooney played a brilliant century of 109 runs in 114 balls, which included 11 fours. Elana King supported her well by scoring an unbeaten 51 runs in 49 balls. Together they made a record partnership of 106 runs for the ninth wicket, which became the highest partnership for the ninth wicket in women’s ODI history. Thanks to the brilliant batting of these two, Australia scored 221 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.
Pakistan
Chasing a target of 222, Pakistan’s innings got off to a dismal start. Australia’s Kim Garth and Megan Schutt took full advantage of the pitch’s assistance, dismissing half of Pakistan’s team in the opening overs. By the ninth over, Pakistan were just 31 for five. Captain Fatima Sana scored the highest 35 runs for the team.
Australia Playing XI: Alyssa Healy (captain and wicketkeeper), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.
Pakistan Playing XI: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shams, Sidra Amin, Aiman Fatima, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper), Fatima Sana (captain), Natalia Pervez, Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
