Australia on brink of semifinals after thumping win over Pakistan in women’s T20 WC

New Delhi: Defending champions Australia showcased a commanding performance to beat Pakistan by 9 wickets in the group A clash of women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai on Friday. The Aussies bowled put the Women in Green for a paltry score of 82 before chasing it in no time to virtually seal a spot in the semifinals of the showpiece event.

Pakistan struggled in the batting and were dismissed in 19.5 overs after Alyssa Healy opted to bowl. Aliya Riaz was the top-scorer of the team with 26 runs while rest of the batters failed miserably on a good batting wicket. Pakistan were without their skipper Fatima Sana, who flew back on Thursday due to the death of her father.

Sharp bowling by Australia

Led by Ashleigh Gardner’s brilliant 4/21, Australia produced a sharp bowling effort to restrict the Pakistani women to a low total. Apart from her, Georgia Wareham (2/16) and Annabel Sutherland (2/15) also chipped in with two wickets apiece as Pakistan failed to cross even the 100-run mark. Healy led Australia’s chase with a 23-ball 37 (5×4) before retiring hurt due to cramps while running between the wickets.

After her, Ellyse Perry (22 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (7 not out) then overhauled the target with nine overs to spare. The he six-time champions have almost sealed the first semifinal slot with a fantastic NRR of 2.786. This will be their ninth semifinal appearance in the showpiece event. Australia have won all the three group games while for Pakistan, it was their second defeat from three games.

The team managed just four boundaries, reflecting their lack of attacking intent. Australia also faced an early blow when pacer Tayla Vlaeminck sustained a shoulder injury on the field. Megan Schutt became the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I history, surpassing Nida Dar, with her 1/7 in three overs.

(Wit PTI inputs

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 Defending champions Australia showcased a commanding performance to beat Pakistan by 9 wickets in the group A clash of women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai on Friday.  Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today