Australia Women strengthened their semi-final hopes with a dominant 60-run victory over New Zealand Women in Sharjah, extending their unbeaten run in T20 World Cups to 13 matches. The win took Australia to two victories from two games in the group stage, with a healthy net run-rate of 2.524, while New Zealand’s defeat saw their net run-rate drop, pushing them down to third place in the standings.
Australia’s win was built on a well-rounded team performance, with their top order leading the way. Alyssa Healy (26 off 20) set the tone with a brisk start in the powerplay, supported by Beth Mooney (40 off 32) and Ellyse Perry (30 off 24). Though New Zealand’s leg-spinner Amelia Kerr impressed with figures of 4/26, Australia’s total of 148/8 always felt like a challenging target on a sluggish pitch.
New Zealand’s chase never truly took off, as they struggled against an accurate and aggressive Australian bowling attack. Megan Schutt (3/3) and Annabel Sutherland (3/21) led the charge, ripping through New Zealand’s batting line-up. Only Kerr (29 off 31) offered any resistance as New Zealand were bowled out for just 88 in 17.4 overs, with Schutt’s superb three-wicket spell taking the game away from them.
Australia Women: 148 for 8 (Mooney 40, Kerr 4-26)
New Zealand Women: 88 all out (Kerr 29, Schutt 3-3, Sutherland 3-21)
Australia beat New Zealand by 60 runs
Australia’s Batting
Australia elected to bat after winning the toss, and Healy’s early fireworks helped them to 43 inside the powerplay. Her aggressive 26 off 20 provided the perfect platform, while Mooney and Perry built a crucial 45-run partnership for the third wicket. Despite Kerr’s best efforts, Australia’s innings remained steady, and their ability to keep rotating the strike ensured they posted a competitive total of 148/8, with Mooney top-scoring on 40.
New Zealand’s Bowling
Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with 4/26, and she delivered crucial blows to Australia’s middle order. However, New Zealand’s bowling attack struggled to maintain consistent pressure in the final overs, allowing Australia to add a decent amount to their score towards the end.
New Zealand’s Chase
Chasing 149, New Zealand’s batters were never able to break free. Schutt and Sutherland bowled a miserly spell, and despite Suzie Bates’ 20 off 27 and Kerr’s 29 off 31, New Zealand’s top order faltered under the pressure. The lack of big partnerships and the mounting pressure resulted in a string of wickets, with Schutt’s devastating spell (3/3) sealing the win for Australia.
In the end, New Zealand’s innings fizzled out as they were bowled out for just 88, well short of their target, as Australia sealed a comfortable 60-run victory.
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