ICC Women’s world cup encounter in Colombo, Australia displayed a commanding 107 over Pakistan, what began as a batting collapse turned into a remarkable recovery, led by Beth Mooney sensational century and Alana King explosive lower order hitting.
Pakistan won the toss opted to bowl first, Australia innings began on a shaky note Alyssa Healy dismissed on 20 off 23 balls not able to convert into big score while Phoebe Litchfield only managed 10 and Ellyse Perry departed on 5 . The defending champions were reeling at 76/7 where also Australian middle field Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland managed only 1 while Thila McGrath goes on 5 and Georgia wareham departed without scoring.
However, when it looked like Australia might fold cheaply, Beth Mooney 109 and Alana King 51 rose the occasion, showing remarkable under pressure,built innings patiently, rotating strike and punishing losse deliveries , the duo stitched together a match turning 106 runs partnership for the ninth wicket, frustrating Pakistan bowlers, Mooney and king smashed 34 runs in final two overs, Australia eventually closed their innings at 221/9 in 50 overs.
Pakistan bowling Nashra Sandhu is stand out bowler for Pakistan take 3/37 in 10 overs, Fatima Sana and Rameen Shamim gets 2 wickets each while Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal bagged 1 wicket each .
Chasing 222 , Pakistan needed a strong Start but early damage was done by Kim Garth and Meghan Schutt, with the new ball and build consistent pressure , Garth remove Sadaf Shamas on 5 and Sidra Nawaz also on 5 , while Schutt dismissed Muneeba Ali and Natalia Parvaiz 1 , Pakistan were soon reeling 30/4 as the Australian seamers exploited movement off the surface brilliantly.
Sidra Amin once again showcased her composure and technique, anchoring the innings with a fighting 35 off 52 balls including 5 boundaries. Her wicket ended Pakistan hopes ,as she was the only top order batter to cross 20 runs.
While Fatima Sana departed on 11 and Eyman Fatima goes without scoring Rameen Shamim tries some resistance but fell on 15 . At the lower order Nashra Sandhu 11 and Diana Baig 7 , while Sadia Iqbal reminded not out on 2. Pakistan bowled out on 114/ 10 in 36.3 overs.
Australia women won by 107 runs.
Australia bowling Kim Garth is pick up the bowler for Australia bagged 3/14 in 6 overs , And Meghan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland gets 2 wickets each while Alana King, Ash Gardner and Georgia wareham takes 1 wicket each.
Match summary
Toss: Pakistan women won the toss and Opted to bowl first
Australia women inning: 221/9 in 50 overs
Top scorer: Beth Mooney 109 off 114 balls
Top bowler: Nashra Sandhu 3/37 in 10 overs
Pakistan women in inning: 114/ 10 in 36.3 overs
Top scorer: Sidra Amin 35 off 52 balls
Top bowler: Kim Garth 3/14 in 6 overs
Result: Australia women won by 107 runs
Player of the match: Beth Mooney 109 off 114 balls