As Australia gears up to face New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland for the first T20I, the spotlight shines brightly on Beth Mooney, who is set to achieve a remarkable milestone—her 200th international appearance. At 31, the wicketkeeper-batter from Victoria has been a cornerstone of the Australian women’s cricket team, blending grit, skill, and consistency to emerge as one of the finest players of her generation.
Beth Mooney’s journey has been one of perseverance and excellence. From making her debut as a 21-year-old promising talent on January 26, 2016, in a T20I against India at the iconic Adelaide Oval to becoming a multiple-time World Cup winner, she has dazzled with her sharp glovework behind the stumps and match-winning knocks under pressure. Known for her calm demeanor and ability to anchor an innings, she has played a key role in Australia’s dominance in world cricket, creating unforgettable moments for fans.
In the T20I format, Mooney has amassed 3,215 runs at a strike rate of 124.13 and an impressive average of 41.21 across 103 innings. Her tally includes 25 half-centuries and two centuries, signifying her immense impact on Australian cricket. Despite often flying under the radar due to the presence of superstars like Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy, Mooney has been a vital cog in Australia’s success. Her finest performance in the T20I format came on November 21, 2017, at Manuka Oval in Canberra during the third T20I of the multi-format Women’s Ashes. However, despite her brilliance with the bat, Australia fell short in that match.
Mooney made her ODI debut on February 20, 2016, against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui and has since become one of Australia’s most prolific and consistent run-scorers in the format. She has scored 2,553 runs at a strike rate of 85.90 and an outstanding average of 47.27 in 75 innings. With 18 half-centuries and three centuries to her name, she has firmly established herself as a dependable batter for Australia.
Her best ODI performance came on January 21, 2023, in the third ODI against Pakistan at North Sydney Oval, where she dominated the bowlers with a match-winning 133 off 105 balls. Her exceptional knock earned her the Player of the Match award, reinforcing her reputation as a game-changer for Australia.
As for the red-ball format, Mooney has successfully carried her white-ball prowess into Test cricket. She has accumulated 559 runs at a strike rate of 53.39 and an impressive average of 43 in 13 innings. Her tally includes four half-centuries and a century, highlighting her adaptability across formats.
Her achievements in all three formats place her in an elite category. On January 30, 2025, Mooney became the first Australian woman to register centuries in ODIs, T20Is, and Test cricket. She reached this milestone when she scored her maiden Test century—106 off 173 balls—against England at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This historic innings also coincided with the first-ever pink-ball Test for women at the venue.
This milestone is not just a personal triumph for Beth Mooney but also a testament to her immense impact on women’s cricket. Her dedication and resilience continue to inspire countless young players aspiring to reach the top. As she takes the field for her 200th international game, Mooney’s legacy continues to grow, reaffirming why she is truly one of Australia’s greatest cricketers.
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