Australia crushed Pakistan by 113 runs in the Women's T20 World Cup at Headingley, with Ellyse Perry top-scoring with 71 off 48 balls. The victory propelled Australia to an effective semi-final berth, thanks to a superior net run rate, despite not yet mathematically qualifying.
Mooney Injury Mars Dominant Display
The only concern for Australia was a hand injury to wicketkeeper Beth Mooney, who battled on after injuring a finger while standing up to the stumps and aggravating it attempting a flying catch off Kim Garth. Mooney had earlier suffered a first-ball duck, but her misfortune was overshadowed by a commanding team performance.
Perry and Voll Build Platform
After Mooney's early dismissal, Ellyse Perry and Georgia Voll (39) combined for a 56-ball century partnership. Perry played shots all around the wicket, including a ramp, but was especially punishing on the leg side. She hit a six over long on and nine fours before falling for 71. Ash Gardner made nought, but contributions from Nicola Carey (26 not out off 13 balls) and Annabel Sutherland (27 off 18) helped Australia reach 199-7.
“I really enjoyed my innings,” Perry said. “The powerplay is the best time to bat, I wanted to keep taking the game on.”
Pakistan's Early Chaos
Pakistan, who had lost their opening three matches, suffered two chaotic early run-outs. They reached 50 at the end of six overs, albeit for three wickets, largely due to the hitting of wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali. Despite a difficult match behind the stumps, she adopted a bold batting approach.
Her fun ended in the 10th over when Perry, with her first ball, bounced Muneeba and her pull was caught in the deep. “Probably got a little bit lucky with the bowling, but it was fun to bowl an over,” added Perry. “It was nice to consistently take wickets across the bowling group.”
Pakistan Collapse
That left Pakistan at 65-5, but Fatima Sana was next in, having been curiously kept back to No 7. Her first two balls went for four, but with Perry dismissing her partner, Pakistan reached halfway at 74-6, needing 126 off 10 overs with four wickets left. One over and another daft run-out later, it was 75-8. The end was swift, Pakistan dismissed for 86 with 38 balls remaining.
Bowling Depth on Display
Australia used eight bowlers, with Perry (2-9), captain Sophie Molineux (2-6), and Sutherland (2-12) taking most advantage. “We’ve got options and depth and that’s a good problem to have,” said Molineux. “We can look at conditions and opposition. I am enjoying captaincy. It’s been a challenge, the last few months have been very different for me but I’m so lucky the staff and players have been incredible. People are stepping up when they get their chance and I think that will be key for us moving forward.”
Looking Ahead
Australia’s final group match is on Sunday against India at Lord’s. Having lost to South Africa, India likely need to win to qualify for the last four. But Australia are unlikely to ease up, not least as winning the group gives them two extra days’ preparation before the final and probably means they avoid playing hosts England in the semi-final.
