Australia thump Pakistan, qualify for women's T20 World Cup semi-final
Cricket
Team Green's batting lineup proved a wall of sand before Australian bowling attack
DUBAI (Dunya News) – Australia have sealed their place in semi-final round of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after convincing nine-wicket win over Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Australia chased the target of 83 runs in 11th over despite their captain Alyssa Healy retired hurt for 37. After Healy’s injury, Ellyse Perry maintained the momentum and smashed unbeaten 22 to clinch victory for his side.
Earlier, Australian bowlers showed brilliant performance restricting Pakistan from posting a big total in the match. The team green was bowled out for 82 runs as Pakistan’s batting lineup proved a wall of sand before Australia’s bowling attack.
Aliya Riaz from middle order remained top scorer with 26 runs Sidra Amin and Iran Javed who scored 12 runs each. However, no other player could surpass the 10-run mark due to stunning bowling by Aussies.
Ash Gardner claimed four-wicket haul while Sutherland and Wareham took two wickets each.
Earlier, Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan.
Pakistan were without captain Fatima Sana after she flew back home following the death of her father on Thursday.
Squads
Pakistan XI: Muneeba Ali (capt & wk), Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Sadaf Shamas, Aliya Riaz, Iram Javed, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Syeda Aroob Shah, Omaima Sohail
Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Tayla Vlaeminck, Megan Schutt
