Australia led by skipper Alyssa Healy was up against Pakistan led by the stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali in the 14th match of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s regular skipper Fatima Sana returned home following the demise of her father. Australian skipper Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to field first. After being inserted to bat first, Pakistan got off to a horrible start as they lost half their side inside the first 10 overs of the innings with just 39 on the board. Iram Javed joined Aliya Riaz at the crease and the duo stitched a much-needed 19-run partnership for the 6th wicket to take their side past the 50-run mark.
Ashleigh Gardner picked up the wicket of Iram Javed to provide the 6th breakthrough for Australia. Tuba Hassan joined Aliya Riaz at the crease and the duo stitched another crucial 18-run partnership for the 7th wicket to take their side closer to the 100-run mark. Ashleigh Gardner returned and picked up the wicket of Tuba Hassan to provide the 7th breakthrough for her side.
Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 82, with one ball to spare. Aliya Riaz (26 off 32 balls), Sidra Amin (12 off 18 balls), Iram Javed (12 off 25 balls), and Nida Dar (10 off 10 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Pakistan. Ashleigh Gardner (4-0-21-4), Georgia Wareham (4-0-16-2), Sophie Molineux (4-0-19-1), Megan Schutt (3-0-7-1), and Annabel Sutherland (2.5-0-15-2) were the top performers with the ball for Australia.
Injury crisis hits Aussie camp ahead of the showdown against India!#CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/NDDOt8LyKR
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 11, 2024
Chasing a target of 83, the Australian openers Beth Mooney and skipper Alyssa Healy got their side off to a flying start with a 36-run opening partnership. The pair scored at a rate of 9 runs an over. Sadia Iqbal picked up the wicket of Beth Mooney to provide the first breakthrough for Pakistan. Ellyse Perry joined skipper Alyssa Healy at the crease and the duo looked all set to take their side over the line. However, an injury scare to the Australian skipper Alyssa Healy saw her retire hurt towards the fag-end of the run chase.
Ashleigh Gardner joined Ellyse Perry at the crease and the duo took their side over the line. Australia sealed the run chase with 9 wickets in hand and 54 balls to spare. Skipper Alyssa Healy (37* off 23 balls), Ellyse Perry (22* off 23 balls), and Beth Mooney (15 off 15 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Australia. Sadia Iqbal (3-0-17-1) was the top performer with the ball for Pakistan.
Mighty Aussies remains unbeaten 💪
9-wicket win and eyes on the semis!#CricketTwitter #T20WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/BYPI4Om0jp
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 11, 2024
Ashleigh Gardner was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant match-winning spell (4-0-21-4) with the ball.
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