Australia handed Pakistan a third consecutive defeat in the Women's World Cup and won the match by a massive 107-run margin. It was a great performance from the Aussies, who won their second match in a row and did so in convincing fashion. Beth Mooney contributed incredibly well in the batting department and played a fabulous knock of 109 runs while Kim Garth was the side's top performer with the ball and recorded figures of 3/14 in her six-over spell.
Mooney steadied Australia's sinking ship
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo, Pakistan looked to be in complete control at one stage as they had restricted the opposition 76/7. It looked as if Australia would be bundled out for an incredibly low total, however Mooney became their saviour when they needed it the most. With wickets falling on the other end, the left-hand batter ensured that the Pakistan bowlers didn't get the better of her.
She then formed a valiant partnership of 39 runs with Garth, but her match-turning stand came alongside Alana King. The two ensured that Australia didn't lose their remaining wickets for cheap and put up a fighting total on the board. Mooney eventually went on to reach a well-deserved century while King also got to her fifty. The duo formed a massive 106-run stand before Mooney lost her wicket on the final delivery of the innings. However, her incredible inning was enough to ensure that the Aussies posted a respectable total of 22/9 in 50 overs.
How many runs did Pakistan score in reply?
In reply, Pakistan had a poor start and lost opener Sadaf Shams in the third over. The wickets just kkept on falling for Pakistan and they were restricted to 86/8 at one stage. Unlike Australia, Pakistan didn't have any batter who became their saviour and they were eventually bundled out for just 114. Garth finished with three wickets while both Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland picked up two scalps each as the Aussies continued their fine form in the tournament and reached the top of the standings with five points from three games.
Meanwhile, Australia will be looking to maintain this form when they face India in their next match that will be held on October 12. On the other hand, Pakistan are in dire need to improve and will be hoping to do so when they come up against England on October 15.