Australia completed a 3-0 whitewash over Pakistan in the Women’s ODI series with a dominating 101-run victory in the third and final match at North Sydney Oval in Sydney on Saturday (January 21).
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, but the decision didn’t go in their favour as the hosts put up a strong batting performance, led by Beth Mooney‘s scintillating century. She smashed 133 off 105 deliveries, which included 14 fours and 4 sixes.
Captain Meg Lanning also shined with the bat, slamming 72 off 70 balls, while Tahlia McGrath chipped in with a valuable 30 as the Australian team finished with a total of 336/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
While Mooney impressed one and all with her brilliant hundred, there was another moment in the game which grabbed maximum eyeballs, involving Pakistan wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali. It all happened during the final over of the Australian innings when Muneeba failed to run out Kim Garth despite having the ball in her hand.
Garth came dancing down the wicket to play a shot but couldn’t get the connection and was way out of her crease. She could’ve been run out easily, but Muneeba made a complete mess of it and gave the Australian a lifeline.
The Pakistan keeper picked the ball correctly, but she didn’t aim to hit the stumps directly. Instead, the wicketkeeper chose to go near the woodwork by crawling and ended up missing the stumps. In the meantime, Garth returned to the batting crease quite easily.
Here is the video:
What has happened here 😂 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/dN5B5h8xfz
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 21, 2023
In their chase of 337, the touring party struggled against the Australian bowlers, with the highest score coming from skipper Bismah Maroof‘s 44 from 71 balls. Sidra Ameen also contributed with 34 off 66, but it wasn’t enough as Pakistan were only able to reach 235/7, giving Australia a 101-run victory.
Ashleigh Gardner and Jess Jonassen shined with the ball for Australia, taking three and two wickets, respectively. Mooney grabbed the Player of the Match for her impressive show with the bat.
