Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath takes batting average to 247 in Ireland

There’s no better all-rounder in women’s cricket than Tahlia McGrath and her latest achievement proves it.

Tahlia McGrath of Australia reverse sweeps during the Ireland Women v Australia Women - T20I Tri-Series match . (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Ireland managed what no-one else in world cricket has and finally dismissed Tahlia McGrath in a T20 but not before the Australian all-rounder pounded 70 runs off 45 balls in a statement win ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

McGrath’s ascension to one of if not the best all-rounder in women’s cricket has come in a rush and is underlined by the fact in international T20s the South Australian now averages 247.

Her innings in Ireland, as part of a 140-run partnership with captain Meg Lanning which propelled Australia to a mammoth 4-182, also earned her player of the match for the fourth time, in just her eighth game.

McGrath is keeping superstar Ellyse Perry out of the team with her all-round capabilities and her hitting power, with her runs coming at a strike rate of 156.

Tahlia McGrath batting in Ireland (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

In her four international innings McGrath has unbeaten scores of 42, 44 and 91 before finally being dismissed by Georgina Dempsey in Londonderry.

“The thing about the T20 format for me is there’s just so much freedom,” McGrath said after the win.

“When I come to the wicket I’ve been given a license to play my shots.”

Despite her stunning output however, McGrath wants to add another shot to her weaponry, and it’s one of her captain’s.

“I love batting with Meg and if there’s one shot I could steal off her it would be that flick off her legs for six. It’s incredible,” she said.

“I always feel so calm when I am at the crease with here, she makes things happen.”

Meg Lanning (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Ireland was never in the hunt chasing the big total and managed just 7-119 in their 20 overs, with Aussie spin star Alana King taking another two wickets, giving her figures of 8-28 from eight overs across three games in the tri-series which also involves Pakistan.

Swing bowler Megan Schutt also became just the second Australian woman to reach 100 T20 international wickets after Ellyse Perry by taking 2-16 from her three overs in the 63-run thrashing.

“That’s awesome, she’ll let us know. She likes to brag about those things,” McGrath said of her fellow South Australian.

Australia will have one more match in Ireland against Pakistan on Saturday before they travel to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games, where they‘ll be overwhelming favourites to become the inaugural gold medallists.

Originally published as Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath takes batting average to 247 in Ireland