Australia Women vs Pakistan Women, 14th Match Group A | ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Australia Women beat Pakistan Women by nine wickets in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, inching closer to a semi-final spot with their third win of the tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat, making their qualification for the knockouts a more challenging task.

Australia Dominate with Bat and Ball

Chasing a modest target of 83, Australia comfortably reached 83/1 in 11 overs. Skipper Alyssa Healy led the charge with a rapid 23-ball 37, adding 36 runs for the first wicket with Beth Mooney, who scored 15 from 15 deliveries before being dismissed by Sadia Iqbal. Healy, however, had to retire hurt in the 10th over, but her contribution put Australia on the path to victory.

Ellyse Perry (22* off 23 balls) and Ashleigh Gardner (7* off 5 balls) sealed the win for Australia. Perry, known for her calm and composed batting, finished the game with a boundary, maintaining Australia's perfect run in the tournament.

Earlier, Australia's bowlers had put Pakistan under immense pressure after opting to field. Ashleigh Gardner's brilliant spell of 4/21 decimated the Pakistan lineup, while Annabel Sutherland (2/15) and Georgia Wareham (2/16) provided excellent support. Megan Schutt made history by becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is, surpassing Pakistan’s Nida Dar when she dismissed Sadaf Shamas in the fifth over.

Pakistan’s batters struggled to build partnerships, with Aliya Riaz top-scoring with 26 off 32 balls. The rest of the batting lineup could not resist Australia's disciplined bowling attack, as Pakistan was bundled out for 82 in 19.5 overs.

Pakistan’s Slim Chances for Semi-Finals

With this loss, Pakistan’s chances of making the semi-finals have dimmed considerably. Having lost two games, they will now have to rely on a big win in their final group match against New Zealand, as well as other results going their way, to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Pakistan’s batters need to fire if they are to challenge New Zealand, with Aliya Riaz being the standout performer so far. Their bowling, while spirited, will also need to find more breakthroughs against a strong New Zealand side.

Australia Almost Through to Semi-Finals

For Australia, this win all but guarantees a spot in the semi-finals. They are unbeaten in the group and have shown dominance with both bat and ball. Alyssa Healy's injury will be a concern, but the depth in Australia's squad gives them the luxury of options. With players like Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner in top form, Australia will be brimming with confidence heading into their final group game.

India vs Australia Showdown

As Australia nears qualification, all eyes will be on their much-anticipated clash against India in the knockout stages, should both teams progress. India, with their formidable lineup, have been strong contenders in this tournament. The prospect of a high-stakes encounter between these two cricketing giants promises fireworks, as Australia will aim to extend their dominance, while India will look to topple the reigning champions.

Scores in Brief:

• Pakistan Women: 82 all out in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26, Sidra Amin 12, Iram Javed 12; Ashleigh Gardner 4-21, Annabel Sutherland 2-15, Georgia Wareham 2-16)
• Australia Women: 83/1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37 retired hurt, Ellyse Perry 22*; Sadia Iqbal 1-17)
  Player of the Match: Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)

As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the group stages, with Australia already eyeing the knockout rounds and Pakistan needing a miracle to stay in contention.