In a one-sided encounter, Australia made light work of Pakistan, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory to all but confirm their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals. Despite missing two key players, Australia’s bowling attack, led by Ashleigh Gardner’s remarkable 4-for-21, dismantled Pakistan’s batting, restricting them to a meager 82 runs. Australia chased down the total with ease, reaching their target with 54 balls to spare, largely thanks to Alyssa Healy’s blistering 37.
Pakistan’s Struggles With the Bat
Pakistan, already without captain Fatima Sana following the recent loss of her father and senior seamer Diana Baig, who is still recovering from an injury, could not cope with Australia’s bowling attack. Only one batter, Aliya Riaz, made a significant contribution with 26, while the rest of the top order fell cheaply. Five batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, including two ducks, as the Pakistanis failed to form any meaningful partnerships, with the highest being just 19 runs.
Australia’s bowling, even without Tayla Vlaeminck, who dislocated her shoulder in the opening over of the game, was relentless. Megan Schutt was the standout, taking the crucial wickets of Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin in her opening spell, eventually surpassing Nida Dar as the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20Is.
Gardner, in her final two overs, ensured Pakistan’s innings ended on a whimper. She claimed four wickets, including the dismissals of Iram Javed and Tuba Hassan, as Pakistan were bowled out for 82 in the 20th over.
Australia’s Swift Chase
Australia’s chase started cautiously, with eight runs off the first 11 balls. However, once they found their rhythm, there was no stopping them. Healy, leading the charge, smashed five boundaries, including two elegant drives through the covers, while Beth Mooney also got into the act with a flurry of boundaries. The pair amassed 36 runs without loss in just five overs, and the chase was effectively sealed.
Healy, however, was forced to retire hurt after hobbling off with a foot injury in the 10th over, but by then, Australia was well on course. Ellyse Perry (22) and Ashleigh Gardner (7) wrapped up the chase in the 11th over, with the Australians securing victory with 54 balls to spare.
Australia’s win not only takes them a step closer to the semi-finals but also bolsters their net run-rate to 2.786, making them almost certain of a top-four finish. Pakistan, on the other hand, is left with slim hopes of progressing after another demoralizing loss, and their next match against New Zealand will be a must-win affair to keep their chances alive.
Brief Scorecard
Australia Women: 83/1 (Healy 37, Perry 22, Sadia 1-17)
Pakistan Women: 82 (Riaz 26, Gardner 4-21, Sutherland 2-15, Wareham 2-16)
Australia beat Pakistan by 9 wickets.
Also read: Shan Masood’s Captaincy on the Brink After Pakistan’s Humiliating Loss to England
