New Delhi, (UNI) Australia Women recorded a commanding 107-run victory over Pakistan Women in a high-stakes ICC contest here today, led by Beth Mooney’s sublime century and Alana King’s late-innings fireworks.
Batting first, Australia posted 221 for 9 in 50 overs. The innings began with early breakthroughs for Pakistan as Sadia Iqbal trapped opener Alyssa Healy (20) caught by Diana Baig, and Fatima Sana removed Phoebe Litchfield (10) caught and bowled.
Despite these setbacks, Beth Mooney anchored the innings, combining patience with aggressive strokeplay under mounting pressure. She reached her half-century with elegant drives and deft cuts through the off-side, steadily building a platform for Australia.
Alana King played a counter-attacking role, clearing the ropes twice over mid-wicket and backward square-leg in the closing overs. The pair added a 50-run partnership in the final stages, taking Australia from a competitive position to a commanding total.
Mooney’s innings ended at 109, caught by Sadaf Shamas off Fatima Sana, bringing an end to one of the great ODI knocks under pressure.
Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner contributed vital middle-order runs, while King remained unbeaten on 51. The final overs were a spectacle, with Mooney punishing loose deliveries and King striking two successive sixes over mid-wicket, pushing Australia to a total of 221.
In response, Pakistan struggled against disciplined and incisive Australian bowling. Sidra Amin tried to anchor the innings with 35 runs, but wickets fell at regular intervals, denying any momentum.
Sadaf Shamas was caught by Healy for five, Muneeba Ali was caught by Sutherland for three, and early dismissals of Sidra Nawaz, Natalia Pervaiz, and Eyman Fatima left Pakistan in trouble. Fatima Sana and Rameen Shamim attempted to stabilize the innings, but both were dismissed cheaply, and Diana Baig fell lbw to Georgia Wareham for seven. Rameen Shamim, in a defensive knock of 15, was bowled by Sutherland in the 36th over, ending Pakistan’s resistance and handing Australia a comprehensive victory.
The Australian bowlers were relentless throughout, with Kim Garth taking three wickets for 14 runs, Annabel Sutherland claiming two, and Megan Schutt contributing two crucial breakthroughs. Alana King also struck, removing Nashra Sandhu caught by Healy. Despite moments of resistance, Pakistan’s batters could not cope with the combination of pace, spin, and tactical variations applied by Australia.
Australia’s victory highlighted their allround superiority, with Mooney’s century under pressure and King’s explosive finish exemplifying their depth and firepower. The match underlined the importance of composure in high-stakes ODI cricket, with Australia demonstrating skillful execution in both batting and bowling. The win further cements their status as tournament favourites and leaves Pakistan reflecting on missed opportunities despite individual contributions.
Australia finished with 221 for 9 in 50 overs, while Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 36.3 overs, handing Australia a comfortable 107-run victory.
