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Australia continued their dominant run in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Pakistan by nine wickets in a one-sided affair at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday (October 11). With a clinical performance both with the ball and bat, Australia sealed the win with 54 balls to spare. Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award for her all-round efforts, particularly her four-wicket haul.
Pakistan’s struggles with the bat
Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing to post only 82 runs in 19.5 overs. Stand-in captain Muneeba Ali, along with Sidra Amin, attempted to give Pakistan a steady start but struggled to break free from Australia’s disciplined bowling. Key batters like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz tried to resist, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Gardner’s remarkable bowling, claiming 4 for 21, dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order, while Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham contributed with crucial breakthroughs. The only significant resistance came from Riaz, who top-scored with 26 off 32 deliveries. Pakistan’s inability to accelerate left them with a modest total that proved insufficient against a strong Australian side. Megan Schutt, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham also impress in the bowling department.
Australia’s comfortable chase
Chasing a small target of 83, Australia cruised to victory, reaching 83/1 in just 11 overs. Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy got Australia off to a solid start, with Healy scoring a brisk 37 off 23 balls before retiring hurt. Mooney contributed 15 off 15 balls before falling to Sadia Iqbal. Ellyse Perry (22*) and Ashleigh Gardner (7*) comfortably guided Australia home, with Perry playing an anchor role to see the team through. With such a dominant performance, Australia solidified their position at the top of the group.
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Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round brilliance
Gardner’s all-round performance was the highlight of the match. Her four wickets in just four overs effectively dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. Gardner’s ability to extract spin and vary her pace made it difficult for the Pakistan batters to find any rhythm. She struck at crucial moments, breaking Pakistan’s momentum and ensuring they could never settle into a partnership. Gardner’s wickets included key batters like Iram Javed and Tuba Hassan, and her spell crippled Pakistan’s middle order, making it difficult for them to post a competitive total. Adding to her bowling heroics, Gardner contributed with a quickfire 7* off 5 balls in the chase, ensuring Australia wrapped up the game swiftly.
14th consecutive win for Australia in T20 World cups 🙌#women #cricket #AUSvPAK #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/Hq4Z8yV4Hh
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 11, 2024
