Australia’s Win Tainted by Injuries to Healy and Vlaeminck
Australia 83 for 1 (Healy 37, Perry 22*, Sadia 1-17) defeated Pakistan 82 (Riaz 26, Gardner 4-21, Sutherland 2-15, Wareham 2-16) by nine wickets.
Despite two key injuries, Australia cruised to a third dominant victory over a weakened Pakistan, who posted the lowest total of the tournament so far. This defeat all but eliminated Pakistan from the knockout stages, while Australia is virtually assured of a spot in the final four.
Pakistan played without their captain, Fatima Sana, mourning the loss of her father, and seasoned bowler Diana Baig, still recovering from a leg injury sustained earlier in the tournament. The absence of these experienced players was palpable, as Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled. Aliya Riaz was the only batter to pass 20, with five others posting single figures, including two ducks, and no partnership surpassing 19 runs.
Adding to the drama, Australia lost fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck before she could bowl, as she dislocated her shoulder in a fielding attempt. Her availability for the rest of the tournament remains uncertain. However, the Australian attack proved relentless, stifling Pakistan’s run flow. Pakistan only managed to hit their first boundary in the ninth over and scored just four fours in total, a stark contrast to Australia, who hit that many in just three overs.
Alyssa Healy was central to Australia’s chase, striking five boundaries before retiring hurt in the 10th over due to a foot injury. Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner finished the job in 11 overs, boosting Australia’s net run rate to 2.786. Australia will next face India in their final group game, while Pakistan meets New Zealand.
Schutt’s Record-Breaking Spell
Megan Schutt, already the tournament’s most economical bowler, shone again, claiming her 144th T20I wicket to become the format’s highest wicket-taker. Schutt’s disciplined bowling pinned Pakistan’s openers, and her third over in the powerplay led to a crucial dismissal of Sadaf Shamas. Schutt’s efforts left Pakistan reeling at 23 for 2 after six overs.
Gardner’s Dominance
Pakistan briefly attempted a recovery with a 19-run stand between Iram Javed and Aliya Riaz, but Ashleigh Gardner quickly dismantled any hopes of a comeback. After missing a stumping chance earlier, Healy made no mistake in Gardner’s final over, as she claimed two wickets and wrapped up Pakistan’s innings with figures of 4 for 21—her second-best in T20 internationals.
Australia’s Controlled Chase
Australia began cautiously but soon found their rhythm. Healy and Beth Mooney unleashed a flurry of boundaries, taking control of the match. Mooney fell for 13, but Australia comfortably crossed the finish line with 54 balls to spare. Their dominant net run rate all but secures their place at the top of the group, with only a major defeat to India capable of displacing them.