Australia Women were in a major debacle during the first innings in the ninth match against Pakistan Women of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The reigning champions were kept under the pressure by the Pakistani bowlers until the 21.2 overs, where the score was 76/7.
Coming in at No. 7 to bat, Beth Mooney then turned the match in Australia’s favor and got her team out of the challenge by securing a brilliant knock of 109 off 114 balls. That included four massive boundaries from her performance.
Mooney set up some successful partnerships, first with Kim Garth (bowler) for 39 runs from 75 balls, followed by 106 runs from 97 balls with Alana King. King alone scored a half-century (51 off 49), her first in international cricket, including three boundaries and six sixes. She and Mooney secured 59 runs in the final five overs.
Saved by Mooney, Australia went on to set up a score of 221/9. The middle-order batting lineup failed to score against Pakistan’s dominant bowlers, which included Nashra Sandhu (3/37), Fatima Sana (2/49), and Rameen Shamim (2/29). Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal also added one wicket each.
Pakistan Women disappoints with batting lineup
After a wonderful display with the ball, it was now time for the Pakistani team to offer their innings with the bat. However, the team’s momentum shifted after losing both their openers during the powerplay in the sixth over.
Sidra Amin managed to score a decent performance of 35 runs off 52 balls. Captain Sana added 11 runs off 12 balls. Failed attempts came from Shamim securing 15 runs in 64 balls and Sandhu’s 11 runs in 41 balls.
Like Australia, Pakistan’s middle order was also disappointing. The team somehow managed to score 114 runs but went all-out in the 36.3 overs.
Australia Women bowlers showcased some strong performances, including Grath (3/14), Megan Schutt (2/25), and Annabel Sutherland (2/15). Meanwhile, King, Ashleigh Gardner, and Georgia Wareham added one wicket each
Mooney on Australia’s win
During the post-match interview, Mooney expressing her excitement on the win said, “We were in a bit of a tricky situation. Lot of questions going to the bench, asking what I needed to do.”
Crediting to her two crucial partnerships she added, “Credit to King and Garth, to get some partnerships going. I was dying when I got back to the changing room when I came back. The message was to get a partnership going. If you really committed to a certain style and method, that ended up working. They bowled really well and we had to grind for that one.”
Mooney specifically lauded King’s performance who scored a half-century and took one wicket in the match. “She was incredible. Getting up and down first and foremost, and then towards the end. Lucky enough to play with her at the Scorchers. She is a breath of fresh air. Great teammate – one of the best going around,” she mentioned.
· Inputs and quotes sourced from [ESPNCricinfo]
