Australia secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup, successfully chasing down a target of 107 with 27 balls to spare. The win was powered by an unbeaten 72 off 47 balls from captain Alyssa Healy, who anchored the innings with precision.
Pakistan's Innings Stalls After Strong Start
Pakistan posted 106 for 8 after being put in to bat, with opener Muneeba Ali top-scoring with 38 off 36 balls. However, the innings lost momentum after the powerplay, as Australia's bowlers tightened the screws. Spinner Jess Jonassen took 2 for 12 from her four overs, while Megan Schutt claimed 2 for 19, restricting Pakistan to just 47 runs in the last 10 overs.
Pakistan captain Nida Dar said: "We started well but lost our way in the middle overs. We needed at least 130 to be competitive."
Healy Leads Clinical Chase
In reply, Australia lost opener Beth Mooney early for 6, but Healy and Tahlia McGrath (21 not out) put on an unbroken 96-run stand for the second wicket. Healy struck 10 boundaries and two sixes, reaching her fifty off 33 balls. The required run rate never exceeded six an over, and Australia cruised home with 4.3 overs to spare.
Player of the match Alyssa Healy said: "It was important to start the tournament strongly. The pitch was a bit two-paced, but we adapted well."
Implications for Group Standings
The victory gives Australia a crucial net run-rate boost in Group A, where they now sit second behind India. Pakistan, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to qualify for the semifinals after losing their opening match. The two teams will next face Bangladesh and England respectively.
