Published on October 12, 2024 by Kariuki Mwangi
Last Updated on 2 years by Kariuki Mwangi
By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Dubai, UAE (11-10-2024): Australia showcased their supremacy at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, cruising to a commanding nine-wicket win over Pakistan, thanks to Ash Gardner’s devastating three-wicket over.
The defending champions bowled Pakistan out for a mere 82 runs in Sharjah and comfortably chased down the target in just 11 overs, with nine overs to spare.
However, Australia’s third consecutive win came with injury concerns. Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder in a boundary stop attempt during the opening over, and captain Alyssa Healy was forced to retire hurt with a calf injury after a strong knock of 37.
Pakistan, dealing with their own setback following the absence of captain Fatima Sana—who returned home due to her father’s passing—struggled to deliver on their aggressive pre-tournament strategy in the powerplay. Wickets tumbled early, stalling any momentum they hoped to build.
Stand-in captain Muneeba Ali was the first to fall, lofting a catch to midwicket off Sophie Molineux, while Megan Schutt continued her excellent form, dismissing Sadaf Shamas for three. In doing so, Schutt surpassed Nida Dar to become the leading wicket-taker in T20I history, with 144 wickets.
Pakistan’s innings unraveled further as Sidra Amin was trapped LBW by Annabel Sutherland and Omaima Sohail holed out to Gardner at midwicket, reducing Pakistan to 29 for four.
Despite a rebuilding effort from Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed, the collapse continued. Nida Dar, Pakistan’s hope for a recovery, was stumped by Healy off Georgia Wareham for 10. Iram contributed 12 before skying a catch off Molineux’s bowling, and Gardner sealed the innings with three quick wickets in the penultimate over, dismissing Tuba Hassan, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Nashra Sandhu for just two runs. Sutherland wrapped things up by dismissing Aliya with the final ball of the innings.
Australia’s chase began aggressively, with Beth Mooney hitting three boundaries off Sadia Iqbal before falling for 20. Healy then took control, racing to 37 from 23 balls with some elegant strokes, including a stunning extra-cover drive, before a calf injury ended her innings prematurely.
Gardner, having already starred with the ball, joined Ellyse Perry to complete the formalities, guiding Australia to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.
Australia’s unbeaten streak against Pakistan now extends to 30 matches across formats, solidifying their position at the top of the group ahead of a highly anticipated clash against India.
Match Summary:
Pakistan: 82 all out in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26, Sidra Amin 12; Ash Gardner 4/21, Annabel Sutherland 2/15)
Australia: 83-1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37, Ellyse Perry 22*; Sadia Iqbal 1/17)
Result: Australia won by nine wickets
