Australia Women vs New Zealand Women, 10th Match, Group A | ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Australia continued its strong form in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, securing a commanding 60-run win over New Zealand at Sharjah to remain the only unbeaten team in Group A. A clinical performance with both bat and ball saw the defending champions overcome a spirited New Zealand side that struggled to match Australia’s all-round brilliance.

Batting first, Australia posted 148 for eight, despite a strong bowling effort from New Zealand's Amelia Kerr, who claimed an impressive four wickets for 26 runs. Kerr's performance was one of the few highlights for New Zealand as they crumbled in their chase, being bowled out for just 88 in 19.2 overs.

Australia's Innings: Healy and Perry Lead the Charge

Alyssa Healy, Australia's skipper, played a pivotal role at the top of the order. After successfully overturning an lbw decision early on, she quickly found her rhythm, smashing 11 runs off Fran Jonas and becoming the third Australian woman to surpass 3,000 T20I runs. Healy looked poised for a big score but was caught by Georgia Plimmer for 26 in the final over of the powerplay.

Ellyse Perry then steadied the innings, adding 30 runs to the total and passing 2,000 T20I runs in the process. She formed a crucial partnership with Beth Mooney, who top-scored with 40. Mooney’s dismissal in the 12th over, however, triggered a mini-collapse for Australia as Kerr struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Perry and Grace Harris in consecutive balls.

Despite the wickets falling around them, Australia managed to post a competitive total, with Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland also chipping in at the death.

Kerr’s Effort in Vain as New Zealand Collapse

In response, New Zealand’s chase got off to a shaky start as Megan Schutt struck early, removing Plimmer in just the third over. Schutt, who became the leading wicket-taker in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history with 44 wickets, was the star with the ball, finishing with exceptional figures of 3 for 3 from 3.2 overs.

Amelia Kerr tried to steady the ship, scoring 29, but she found little support from the rest of the batting lineup. Suzie Bates, who managed 20, struggled to keep up with the required run rate, and her dismissal further dented New Zealand’s hopes. A flurry of wickets followed, with Sutherland and Sophie Molineux playing pivotal roles in dismantling the White Ferns’ middle order.

New Zealand eventually succumbed to 88 all out, with Schutt sealing the win by claiming the final wicket of Eden Carson, completing a dismal day for the White Ferns.

With this victory, Australia not only maintained their unbeaten run but also reinforced their status as favorites to defend their title. New Zealand, despite flashes of brilliance from Amelia Kerr, were left with plenty to ponder as they face a tough road ahead in the tournament.

Scores in Brief:

• Australia: 148/8 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 40, Ellyse Perry 30; Amelia Kerr 4/26, Brooke Halliday 2/16)
• New Zealand: 88 all out in 19.2 overs (Amelia Kerr 29, Suzie Bates 20; Megan Schutt 3/3, Annabel Sutherland 3/21)
• Result: Australia won by 60 runs