In a commanding display of cricket, Australia Women triumphed over Pakistan Women by nine wickets in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While Pakistan struggled with both the bat and ball, Australia’s well-oiled machine once again demonstrated why they are among the top contenders in this tournament. This victory, their third of the event, further solidified Australia’s position at the top of their group.
This match offered a perfect example of the contrasting fortunes of two teams in the tournament. On one hand, Pakistan Women, already reeling from an earlier defeat, were unable to put together a competitive total. On the other hand, Australia Women showed why they are a well-drilled side, with their bowlers and batters performing with clinical precision.
The game started with Australia winning the toss and opting to field, a decision that paid off instantly. Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, and their inability to negotiate Australia’s disciplined bowling attack was the story of the match. Pakistan was bowled out for a meager 82 in 19.5 overs, never really finding any momentum during their innings. This low total meant that Australia was always in control, and they chased the target down with nine wickets in hand in just 11 overs.
Pakistan Women’s batting unit once again came under scrutiny, as they struggled to build partnerships and maintain a decent run rate. Their powerplay was an indicator of the troubles to follow, as they managed only 23 runs while losing two wickets. This lackluster start laid the foundation for the middle-order collapse that saw them being reduced to 39-5 by the 10th over.
The only bright spot in Pakistan’s innings was Aliya Riaz, who top-scored with 26 off 32 balls. Riaz displayed resilience and some positive stroke play, hitting three boundaries. However, her efforts were not supported by the rest of the batting order. Iram Javed (12 off 13 balls) and Tuba Hassan (10 off 13 balls) attempted to offer some resistance in the lower middle order, but the lack of substantial partnerships severely hurt Pakistan’s chances.
Sidra Amin (12 off 19 balls) offered a brief promise at the top but could not convert her start into a meaningful score. The inability of Pakistan’s batters to handle the spin and pace variations from Australia was evident, as none of the partnerships were allowed to flourish.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Ashleigh Gardner, who produced an exceptional all-round performance, earning her the Player of the Match award. Gardner’s bowling spell was nothing short of remarkable, as she decimated Pakistan’s middle order with her off-spin. She picked up four crucial wickets, conceding only 21 runs in her four overs, and ensured that Pakistan never got off the ground in their innings.
Gardner’s control and consistency left Pakistan with no answers, and her four-wicket haul played a pivotal role in restricting them to 82. Alongside Gardner, Annabel Sutherland (2-15) and Georgia Wareham (2-16) provided excellent support, sharing wickets and keeping Pakistan under pressure throughout their innings.
Australia’s chase was as clinical as it gets. With only 83 runs required, the Aussie openers, Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, got off to a solid start, putting together a 36-run opening stand. Healy was the aggressor, smashing a quickfire 37 off just 23 balls, laced with six boundaries. Unfortunately, Healy had to retire hurt in the 10th over, but by then, the game was all but sealed in Australia’s favor.
Mooney (15 off 15) played a steady hand before being dismissed by Sadia Iqbal, the only bowler who managed to break through Australia’s otherwise impregnable lineup. Ellyse Perry, one of the most reliable names in Australian cricket, remained unbeaten on 22 off 23 balls, calmly guiding her team to victory. She was supported by Ashleigh Gardner (7 not out off 5 balls), who finished the match with a boundary.
While the win was a team effort, Megan Schutt added a personal milestone to her illustrious career during the match. Schutt surpassed Pakistan’s Nida Dar to become the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals, with 144 wickets to her name. Schutt achieved this feat when she dismissed Sadaf Shamas in the fifth over of Pakistan’s innings, cementing her legacy as one of the finest bowlers in women’s cricket.
This moment was a testament to Schutt’s consistency and longevity at the highest level. Her contributions with the ball were invaluable, and she continues to be a vital cog in Australia’s dominant bowling attack.
For Pakistan, this loss was another blow to their hopes of advancing in the tournament. With two defeats in their three matches so far, they will now need to regroup quickly and put in a strong performance against New Zealand in their final group game on October 14. The inconsistency in both their batting and bowling remains a concern, and they will need to address these issues to have any chance of progressing in the competition.
Pakistan’s next match against New Zealand is a must-win game if they hope to salvage their campaign. The team will look to key players like Aliya Riaz, Sidra Amin, and Iram Javed to step up and deliver under pressure.
Australia’s win against Pakistan was a clear demonstration of their dominance in women’s cricket. With three wins in the tournament, they are now well-positioned to advance to the knockout stages and continue their march towards the trophy. The depth in their squad, highlighted by the performances of Healy, Gardner, and Schutt, makes them a formidable force, and they remain one of the favorites to win the T20 World Cup.
Australia’s next challenge will be to maintain their form as they head into the crucial stages of the tournament. With key players performing at their best, they have shown that they are the team to beat.
Australia Women’s nine-wicket victory over Pakistan Women was a testament to their all-around strength and dominance. With Ashleigh Gardner’s stellar bowling and Alyssa Healy’s explosive batting, Australia cruised to their third win of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s struggles continue, and they face a daunting task in their final group match against New Zealand. As the tournament progresses, Australia remains the team to watch, with their sights firmly set on the World Cup trophy.