In a commanding performance, Australia Women claimed a convincing 60-run victory over New Zealand Women, extending their remarkable streak to 13 consecutive wins in T20 World Cups. This emphatic win has also catapulted Australia to the top of the Group A standings.
Captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and chose to bat first. The Australian openers quickly set the tone in the Powerplay, with Healy, who survived an early LBW scare thanks to a successful review, showcasing some elegant strokes on her way to a score of 26. However, her dismissal by Rosemary Mair in the final over of the Powerplay was a breather for the White Ferns.
Beth Mooney emerged as the standout performer for Australia, leading the charge with a well-crafted 40 runs off 32 balls. Ellyse Perry, who had a shaky start, gradually found her footing and contributed a valuable 30 runs from 24 balls. Yet, New Zealand’s bowlers were relentless, especially Amelia Kerr, who spearheaded a remarkable fightback post-Powerplay, consistently taking wickets and keeping the Australian innings in check.
Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 26 runs in her four overs. Both Mair and Brooke Halliday also made significant contributions, each claiming two wickets and helping to stem the flow of runs. Ultimately, Australia concluded their innings at 148/8, setting a challenging target for the New Zealand batters on a tricky Sharjah pitch.
As they began their chase of 149 runs, New Zealand Women struggled to find their rhythm. The disciplined Australian bowling attack applied consistent pressure, making it difficult for their opponents to settle in. The required run rate was mounting and wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving New Zealand in a tight spot.
Kerr was the top scorer for her team, managing 29 runs, but her efforts couldn’t shift the momentum. Australia’s bowlers, led by Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland, were in fine form. Schutt produced a stunning performance, taking 3 wickets for just 3 runs, while Sutherland added to the pressure with her 3/21.
In the end, New Zealand were bowled out for a mere 88 runs in just 16.2 overs, well short of their target. Australia’s bowlers showcased their dominance throughout the match, executing their gameplan with precision. This impressive win not only highlighted their strength as a team but also set the stage for exciting upcoming matches in the tournament.