ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Australia secures commanding 60-run victory over New Zealand
New Delhi: Australia’s batters set up a competitive total on a slow pitch, giving their seasoned bowling attack enough runs to defend and secure a dominant 60-run victory over New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday.
Opener Beth Mooney led the scoring with a brisk 40 off 32 balls, helping Australia reach a solid total of 148 for eight. Ellyse Perry added a valuable 30 from 24 balls, while Alyssa Healy made a quick 26 off 20 deliveries at the start of the innings.
In response, New Zealand collapsed to 88 all out in 19.2 overs, with Megan Schutt delivering a standout performance, taking 3 wickets for just 3 runs in 3.2 overs. Annabel Sutherland (3/21) and Sophie Molineux (2/15) also played key roles in Australia’s dominant bowling effort.
With this victory, Australia secured the top position in Group A, boasting two wins from their first two matches.
Choosing to bat first, six-time champions Australia got off to a strong start, with Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney forming a solid partnership of 41 runs for the opening wicket in just 5.2 overs.
Healy was initially given out lbw after being struck on the pad by left-arm spinner Fran Jonas. However, after some encouragement from Mooney, she decided to review the decision, which turned out to be the right choice as the on-field umpire’s call was overturned.
Healy quickly bounced back, hitting two boundaries, and then lofted Eden Carson over extra cover for another four. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, who was impressive with the ball, claiming 4/26, also made a spectacular running catch to dismiss Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 18 off 18 balls.