Mooney Steers Australia to Comfortable Win as Sri Lanka’s Batting Fails in Women’s T20 World Cup Opener

Australia began their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 defence with a solid six-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Sharjah, but not without a few nervy moments. Sri Lanka’s batting woes saw them post just 93 for 7, and despite a few early breakthroughs, Australia chased down the target comfortably in 14.5 overs, thanks to an unflappable innings from Beth Mooney.

Australia Women 94 for 4 (Mooney 43*, Perry 17, Sugandika 1-16) 

Sri Lanka Women 93 for 7 (Nilakshika 29*, Schutt 3-12, Molineux 2-20) 

Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets 

Sri Lanka’s Struggles With the Bat

Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, were in deep trouble early on. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Megan Schutt and Ash Gardner, wreaked havoc in the opening overs. Schutt’s maiden over set the tone, and she struck in the fourth over when she had Vishmi Gunaratne lbw for 0. Two balls later, Gardner trapped Chamari Athapaththu for just 4 with a sharp delivery, leaving Sri Lanka at a precarious 6 for 2.

The Sri Lankan batters failed to recover, with only Nilakshika Silva (29*) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (23) offering any resistance. The middle order struggled to get the scoreboard ticking, as Australia’s spinners—Gardner, Sophie Molineux, and Georgia Wareham—dominated, conceding just 55 runs in 12 overs between them. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for a paltry 93, with their total bolstered by 13 extras, which was the fourth-highest contributor on their scorecard.

Australia’s Response

Australia’s chase got off to a shaky start. Alyssa Healy, Australia’s aggressive opener, fell early to a perfect delivery from Udeshika Prabodhani, who had her caught behind for 2. Wareham followed soon after, running out for 1, and Ellyse Perry was bowled, leaving Australia in a spot of bother at 35 for 3. 

However, Beth Mooney, one of the most reliable chasers in world cricket, took control. She weathered the early storm, finding her first boundary after the powerplay with a fine leg-side flick off Inoshi Priyadarshani. Mooney continued to accumulate runs at a steady pace, striking boundaries when needed, including a crucial one off Sugandika Kumari over mid-on. 

Mooney remained unbeaten on 43, guiding Australia past the finish line with the winning runs in the 15th over. Ellyse Perry (17*) supported her at the other end, and the Australians secured a comfortable six-wicket win to begin their World Cup campaign.

Key Performers

Australia Women: Beth Mooney 43*; Megan Schutt 3-12; Sophie Molineux 2-20  

Sri Lanka Women: Nilakshika Silva 29*; Udeshika Prabodhani 1-16  

Australia’s win sets them up well in the tournament, though they will be aware of their own discipline issues, having conceded 13 extras—an area they will look to tighten in future games.

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