Australia delivered another ruthless World Cup statement on Tuesday, crushing Pakistan by 113 runs in Leeds after Ellyse Perry rolled back the years with a dazzling all-round performance. The margin of victory told only part of the story. This was Australia at their relentless best — piling up 199/7 before dismantling Pakistan for just 86 in 13.4 overs.
Ironically, the innings began with a shock. Beth Mooney was dismissed off the very first ball by Sadia Iqbal, briefly giving Pakistan reason to celebrate. That joy did not last long. Georgia Voll and Perry immediately launched a counterattack, adding 100 runs for the second wicket and completely shifting the momentum. Voll struck a fluent 39(28), peppering the boundary rope with seven fours, while Perry looked in complete control throughout her innings. The veteran all-rounder reached her half-century in just 30 deliveries and continued to punish anything loose, eventually scoring 71(48) with nine fours and a six.
This was Perry’s first half century in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, even after playing in all the 10 editions. Pakistan managed wickets through Nashra Sandhu (2/33), Rameen Shamim (2/34) and Sadia Iqbal (2/31), yet Australia’s scoring rate barely dipped. Annabel Sutherland contributed a brisk 27(18), while Nicola Carey finished strongly with an unbeaten 26*(13). Add 21 extras to the mix, and Australia marched to an imposing 199/7.
If Pakistan were hoping for a dream chase, Australia’s bowlers quickly ended that conversation. Gull Feroza was run out early before Sophie Molineux removed Saira Jabeen and Nashra Sandhu, finishing with figures of 2/6. Georgia Wareham was even more economical, producing a superb spell of 1/2 from two overs and strangling Pakistan’s middle order. Pakistan showed some resistance through Muneeba Ali, who top-scored with 32(25), and Fatima Sana, who made 17(12).
For a brief period, Pakistan reached 50/3 inside six overs and looked capable of making the contest respectable. Instead, wickets began tumbling in clusters. Run-outs hurt their cause, Australia tightened the screws in the field, and Perry returned to strike twice in a single over, dismissing both Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz finishing with figures of 2/9. Annabel Sutherland then wrapped up the tail with 2/12 as Pakistan folded for 86.
The comprehensive victory further strengthened Australia’s position at the top of Group 1, with the six-time champions continuing to look like one of the most complete sides in the tournament. With contributions coming from both their experienced stars and emerging players, Australia once again underlined why they remain among the leading contenders for the title.
Loves all things female cricket