Aayal QureshiDubai: Australia cruised to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a modest 83-run target, the reigning champions secured their win with 54 balls to spare, maintaining their dominant form in the tournament.
After Pakistan’s lackluster performance with the bat, Australia lost just one wicket in their chase. Beth Mooney, who scored 15 off 15 balls with three boundaries, was the only batter dismissed, falling to Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal.
Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain, top-scored with a quick-fire 37 off 23 balls, hitting five fours before retiring hurt in the 10th over due to severe cramps. Following Healy’s exit, Ellyse Perry (22* off 23) and Ashleigh Gardner (7* off 8) comfortably guided Australia to victory.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan struggled to build any momentum after winning the toss and being put into bat by Australia. Without star all-rounder Fatima Sana, the Green Shirts crumbled against Australia’s strong bowling attack, posting just 82 runs in 19.5 overs. Aliya Riaz was the standout for Pakistan, scoring 26 off 32 balls, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to provide significant resistance.
Ashleigh Gardner was the star with the ball for Australia, claiming four wickets, while Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham picked up two wickets each. Sophie Molineux and Megan Schutt also contributed with a wicket apiece.
With this win, Australia continues to assert their dominance in the tournament, while Pakistan faces an uphill battle in the upcoming matches.
Scores in Brief:
Result: Australia won by nine wickets
Pakistan: 82 all out in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26, Sidra Ameen 12; Ash Gardner 4/21, Annabel Sutherland 2/15)
Australia: 83-1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37, Ellyse Perry 22*; Sadia Iqbal 1/17)
