Defending champions Australia top Group A at the Women’s T20 World Cup after a thumping 60-run win over New Zealand in Sharjah.
The six-time champions and tournament champions put in a dominant performance against New Zealand, registering a six-wicket win in their opening match against Sri Lanka on Saturday. New Zealand stunned India in the group stage to claim a famous New Zealand title.
But Australia proved too strong, winning six of the last seven, making it their 13th straight win in the tournament.
Australia, who chose to bat first after winning the toss, finished their innings on 148-8 and were all out for 88 against New Zealand in the final.
Australia’s star with the ball was medium pacer Megan Schutt, who was the player of the match. He took an incredible 3-3 and took 44 wickets in 26 matches, making him the highest wicket-taker in the history of the competition.
“We could have been smarter with the bat at the end, but we came out really well with the ball and I’m really happy,” said Australia captain Alyssa Healy.
“Megan Schutt was great, but I thought the whole offense tonight was unbelievable.”
Australian players celebrate the wicket of New Zealander Brooke Holiday
Australia’s aggressive batting effort set the tone early with captain Healy giving the defending champions a solid start with 26 off 20 balls, Beth Mooney adding 40 and Ellyse Perry 30.
In an attempt to restrict Australia’s runs, New Zealand leg-spinner Amelia Kerr impressed with the ball and took 4-26, which included successive dismissals of Ellyse Perry and Grace Harris.
Kerr made an innings-best 29 with the bat until she was caught by Annabel Sutherland off Schutt’s delivery.
After a promising start, New Zealand’s White Ferns slumped to a 60-run defeat in reply, losing eight wickets in 7.1 overs for just 27 runs.
What’s next for each team in the Women’s T20 World Cup?
They now have one foot in another semi-final, topping Group A with four points. australia next face Pakistan On Friday in Dubai, they bid to maintain their 100% starting start to defend their title.
New ZealandMeanwhile, , who have fallen to third place behind Pakistan in run-rate, now face an important match against Daum. sri lanka The tournament resumes in Sharjah on Saturday.
Wednesday’s team event The Granite City You’ll be bidding to be third lucky in your tournament debut. south africa In Group B, from 11am in Dubai; India It is expected that they will push to advance to the semifinals against their Group A rivals. sri lanka In the second game 3pm – Live coverage of both games sky sports cricket.
Watch every match of the Women’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports until the final on Sunday 20 October.
