Australia’s formidable batting lineup and experienced bowling attack proved too much for New Zealand in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday. The defending champions posted a challenging 148/8, thanks to Beth Mooney’s 40 and Ellyse Perry’s 30, and then restricted their opponents to 88 all out.
Opener Mooney and Alyssa Healy (26) provided a solid start for Australia, adding 41 runs for the first wicket. Mooney, who was initially given out lbw but successfully overturned the decision, played a crucial role in setting the platform for a big total.
Perry, batting at number three, chipped in with a valuable 24-ball 30, while Phoebe Litchfield contributed 18. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4/26, including the wicket of Litchfield.
In reply, New Zealand’s chase never really got going. They lost wickets at regular intervals, with Megan Schutt (3/3), Annabel Sutherland (3/21), and Sophie Molineux (2/15) sharing the spoils.
Kerr, who had earlier impressed with the ball, top-scored for New Zealand with 29, but her efforts were in vain as the team fell well short of the target.
With this victory, Australia maintained their unbeaten record in the tournament and moved to the top of Group A. New Zealand, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat and will need to bounce back in their remaining matches.
