Australia began their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a resounding nine-wicket victory over Pakistan, chasing down a target of 107 with 31 balls to spare in the tournament opener.
Pakistan Innings Stalls After Bright Start
Pakistan posted 106 for 8 after being put in to bat, with opener Muneeba Ali top-scoring with 38 off 32 balls. However, regular wickets prevented them from building a substantial total, as Australia's bowlers maintained tight lines. Spinner Sophie Molineux was the pick of the attack, taking 2 for 15 from her four overs, while Annabel Sutherland claimed 2 for 16.
Mooney and Healy Steer Australia Home
In reply, Australia openers Alyssa Healy (36 off 25) and Beth Mooney (58 not out off 42) put on 83 for the first wicket, effectively ending the contest. Healy fell with the scores level, but Mooney remained unbeaten to guide the defending champions to victory with 5.1 overs to spare. The left-hander struck eight fours and a six in her fluent innings.
Clinical Performance Bodes Well for Title Defence
Australia's comprehensive performance highlighted their depth and experience. The bowling unit, led by Molineux and Sutherland, applied pressure throughout, while the batting lineup chased the modest target with ease. Captain Meg Lanning said after the match: "I thought we were really professional with the ball and in the field. To restrict them to 106 was a great effort, and then Beth and Alyssa finished it off nicely."
The result gives Australia a strong start in Group A, with further matches against India and New Zealand to come. Pakistan, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back in their next fixture.
