Australia continued their flawless streak in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive 98-run victory over the Netherlands in Southampton. Powered by a dominant batting display led by Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner, the six-time champions piled up 219/6 before restricting the Netherlands to 121/3.
After being asked to bat, Australia made an aggressive start despite losing Georgia Voll (17) and Ellyse Perry (1) inside the powerplay. Mooney anchored the innings superbly, striking 74 off 42 balls with nine fours and a six, while Gardner marked her return from injury with a blistering 58(32). The pair added 102 runs for the third wicket in just 53 balls, taking the game away from the Dutch attack. Mooney retired hurt due to back stiffness after guiding Australia to 153/3 in the 14th over, but the momentum continued.
Georgia Wareham smashed 41 off just 18 balls, while Annabel Sutherland chipped in with an unbeaten 11(6) as Australia finished with the joint highest total of the tournament so far. The Netherlands bowlers struggled for control, though Iris Zwilling claimed 3/52 and Caroline de Lange picked up 2/39. However, neither could prevent Australia from scoring at nearly 11 runs per over.
Chasing an imposing 220, the Netherlands lost both openers inside four overs as Kim Garth reduced them to 17/2. Any hopes of a competitive chase appeared slim, but captain Babette de Leede and Sterre Kalis produced a resilient response. The pair stitched together a record 96-run partnership for the third wicket, the Netherlands’ highest-ever third wicket stand in Women’s T20 Internationals.
De Leede, playing her 100th T20I, remained unbeaten on 56(57), while Kalis contributed 44(43). Their partnership ensured the Netherlands avoided a collapse and finished with a respectable total against one of the tournament favourites. Australia’s bowlers remained disciplined throughout. Garth returned figures of 2/20, Lucy Hamilton impressed with an economical 4-0-13-0, while Sutherland claimed the wicket of Kalis in the penultimate over.
The victory keeps Australia unbeaten in the competition and strengthens their position at the top of Group 1. While the result was never seriously in doubt, the Netherlands can take encouragement from a spirited batting effort led by de Leede and Kalis against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
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