Australia Dominates Pakistan with a 107-Run Victory in ICC Women's World Cup
Australia's Commanding Win Over Pakistan
Colombo [Sri Lanka], October 8: A remarkable performance by Beth Mooney and Alana King in the first innings, coupled with a stellar bowling display, propelled Australia to a decisive 107-run victory against Pakistan in the ninth match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
Mooney earned the Player of the Match title for her outstanding century against the Women in Green. This win elevated the Women in Yellow to the top of the points table with 5 points from three matches, while Fatima Sana's team languishes at the bottom after three consecutive losses.
Defending a total of 231, Australia's bowlers were sharp from the outset. Kim Garth initiated the attack, dismissing Sadaf Shamas in her second over with a catch behind the stumps by captain Alyssa Healy.
Schutt quickly followed suit, sending Muneeba Ali back to the pavilion after a catch by Annabel Sutherland. Garth continued to trouble the Pakistani batters, catching Sidra Nawaz off guard with her pace and later rattling Eyman Fatima's stumps.
Schutt added to her tally with a catch from Beth Mooney, while Annabel Sutherland claimed the crucial wicket of captain Fatima Sana, marking six wickets for Australia just past the powerplay.
Despite Sidra Amin's resistance with 35 runs, Ash Gardner eventually broke through, leading Australia closer to victory. Georgia Wareham then trapped Diana Baig, and Alana King sealed the win by dismissing Rameen Shamim.
Earlier, Beth Mooney (109) spearheaded Australia’s innings, recovering from early setbacks. After the team was reduced to eight wickets for 115 runs, Mooney's century, her first in a Women’s World Cup, helped Australia reach 221.
Mooney showcased her batting prowess with 11 boundaries, while Alana King (51) provided solid support, forming a record ninth-wicket partnership of 109 runs in Women’s ODI history.
Pakistan's bowlers made early inroads, with Nashra Sandhu taking three wickets and Rameen Shamim claiming two. Iqbal initiated the collapse by dismissing Alyssa Healy, followed by Sana's quick strikes.
Sandhu's exceptional bowling led to the dismissals of Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland, while Rameen Shamim also contributed significantly. Despite the early wickets, Mooney and Garth steadied the innings, but Garth was eventually stumped by Sidra Nawaz.
Mooney's partnership with Alana King proved crucial, ultimately leading Australia to a convincing win.
Brief Scores: Australia Women 221/9 in 50 overs (Beth Mooney 109, Alana King 51*; Nashra Sandhu 3/37) vs Pakistan Women 114 all out in 36.3 overs (Sidra Amin 35, Rameen Shamim 15; Kim Garth 3/14).