Australian pacer Megan Schutt decimated Pakistan batting lineup in the first T20I of the three-T20I series at North Sydney Oval on January 24. Schutt took a fifer as Pakistan posted a non-threatening total which was easily chased down by the Meg Lanning-led side.
Playing in her 89th T20I, this was Schutt's maiden fifer in the format in international arena. She became only third bowler to take a fifer against Pakistan in T20Is. South Africa's Shabnim Ismail (5/12) and India's Priyanka Roy (5/16) are two other bowlers who have taken a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in T20Is.
The 30-year-old is also the fourth Australian bowler to take a fifer in the format. Molly Strano (5/10), Jess Jonassen (5/12) and Julie Hunter (5/22) are three other Australian bowlers to take a fifer in T20Is.
After winning the toss, Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof opted to bat first. While Ellyse Perry broke the opening partnership, Schutt struck twice in the last over of the powerplay overs to remove Maroof (1) and Sadaf Shamas (0).
The experienced came back into the attack in the slog overs and dismissed Fatima Sana (5). In the penultimate over she struck twice and dismissed set batter Omaima Sohail (30) and Tuba Hassan (0).
Pakistan got all out for 118 off the final ball of the innings. Perry and Alana King took two wickets each whereas Jonassen picked up one wicket.
In the run chase, Lanning opened the innings with Perry. Lanning hit three boundaries but got out in the second over to Sadia Iqbal. Perry did most of the damage in the powerplay overs. Tahlia McGrath (14) could not score freely and got dismissed by Nida Dar in the eighth over.
Perry and Ashleigh Gardner ensured that no more wickets fall in the run chase. Perry remained unbeaten for 57 off 40 deliveries including seven fours and one six. On the other end, Gardner scored 30 runs from 19 deliveries including three fours and one six. Australia chased down the total with 38 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand.
Pakistan are yet to register their first win on their tour of Australia. They were comprehensively beaten in ODI series as the hosts outclassed them in every department of the game.
