Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan no match for mighty Australia

Defending champions Australia delivered a commanding performance to bowl out Pakistan for 82 and then cruised to a nine-wicket victory, virtually sealing a spot in the women’s T20 World Cup semifinals.

Playing without their captain Fatima Sana, who returned home following her father’s death, Pakistan struggled with the bat and were dismissed in 19.5 overs after Alyssa Healy opted to bowl. Only four batters reached double-digit figures, with No. 6 Aliya Riaz top-scoring with 26. The team managed just four boundaries, reflecting their lack of attacking intent.

Australia faced an early blow when pacer Tayla Vlaeminck sustained a shoulder injury on the field.

However, their attack remained sharp, led by Ashleigh Gardner’s brilliant 4/21. Georgia Wareham (2/16) and Annabel Sutherland (2/15) also chipped in with the ball.

Megan Schutt (144 wickets) became the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I history, surpassing Nida Dar, with her 1/7 in three overs.

Healy led Australia’s chase with a 23-ball 37, with five fours, before retiring hurt due to cramps while running between the wickets.

Ellyse Perry (22 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (7 not out) then overhauled the target with nine overs to spare. “Clinical performance from a bowling perspective, and I was lucky enough to pick up a few wickets at the end,” Gardner said.

Brief scores: Pakistan: 82 in 19.5 overs (Riaz 26; Gardner 4/21); Australia: 83/1 in 11 overs (Healy 37).