Women's T20 World Cup: Australia record hat-trick of wins after crushing Netherlands by 98 runs

Sports Tak

Sports Tak

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Australia's Beth Mooney bats during Women's T20 World Cup match against Netherlands. (Getty)
Australia's Beth Mooney bats during Women's T20 World Cup match against Netherlands. (Getty)

Six-time champions Australia continued their dominant, undefeated streak in ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2026, cruising to a comprehensive 98-run win over the Netherlands at the Hampshire Bowl on June 20. Having already secured wins against South Africa and Bangladesh earlier in the tournament, the Australians made it three consecutive victories in Group A by matching the record for the highest team total in the tournament's history.

After being asked to bat first, the clinical Australian batting lineup posted a massive 219-6 from their allotted 20 overs. Beth Mooney led the charge with a blistering 74 off just 42 deliveries before she was forced to retire hurt with a stiff back. Her explosive opening performance was backed up by excellent contributions from Ashleigh Gardner, who smashed 58, and Georgia Wareham, who chipped in with a brisk 41.

In response, the Dutch side never truly threatened the target and was restricted to 121-3. Despite the heavy defeat, it was a memorable occasion for Babette de Leede, who marked her milestone 100th T20I appearance with a resilient, unbeaten 56 off 57 balls. She anchored the chase alongside Sterre Kalis, who survived two dropped catches on 21 and 40 to score 44 before finally being bowled. The duo put together a steady 96-run partnership spanning 15 overs, but the Australian bowling attack, spearheaded by Kim Garth (2-20) and Annabel Sutherland (1-23), kept the run rate completely out of reach.

While the debutant Netherlands squad faces an uphill battle after suffering three straight losses, both teams must now shift their focus to their upcoming fixtures. Australia is scheduled to play Pakistan at Headingley on June 23, while the Netherlands will look to bounce back when they take on South Africa in Bristol on June 25.