Defending champions Australia are on the verge of securing a semi-final spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup following a commanding nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai. However, the triumph was marred by an injury to skipper Alyssa Healy, who left the field with a leg issue.
Healy scored 37 runs off 23 balls before retiring hurt, as Australia chased down Pakistan’s target of 83 runs with nine overs to spare, marking their third consecutive win in Group A after previous victories against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
The Australian bowlers showcased exceptional skills, dismissing Pakistan for just 82 runs in 19.5 overs, the lowest total recorded in this tournament. Megan Schutt became the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 Internationals during the match, securing her 144th wicket with figures of 1-7. Ash Gardner was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs, including three in a devastating last over.
Score Summary – Australia vs Pakistan:
Pakistan: 82 all out in 19.5 overs – Ash Gardner (4-21), Annabel Sutherland (2-15), Georgia Wareham (2-16); Top scorer: Aliya Riaz (26 runs off 32 balls)
Australia: 83-1 in 11 overs – Alyssa Healy (37 runs off 23), Ellyse Perry (22 not out off 23), Beth Mooney (15 runs off 15); Top bowler: Sadia Iqbal (1-17)
Pakistan, missing regular captain Fatima Sana, managed just four boundaries throughout their innings, which hindered their scoring efforts. Ellyse Perry and Gardner guided Australia to victory after Healy’s exit, while Beth Mooney contributed to the chase heroically.
Australia’s semi-final prospects remain bright, with only a series of unlikely outcomes preventing their advancement. However, Healy’s fitness for the remainder of the tournament is uncertain following her injury.
The match also saw an injury to fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, who exited in the first over due to a shoulder issue, marking her second T20 World Cup appearance and first since 2018. Despite these challenges, Australia’s bowlers claimed key wickets, with Sophie Molineux accounting for stand-in captain Muneeba Ali.
Australia’s catching proved subpar, with three dropped chances, yet it didn’t impact their dominant performance.
What’s Next?
The Women’s T20 World Cup continues with a double-header on Saturday featuring New Zealand versus Sri Lanka at 11 am in Group A, followed by South Africa facing Bangladesh at 3 pm in Group B. Australia will conclude their group stage campaign against India at 3 pm on Sunday, prior to England’s match against Scotland at 11 am.
Stay tuned for live coverage of every match through the Women’s T20 World Cup, building up to the final on Sunday, October 20.
