Australia ‘absolutely rocked’ by Malawi in huge Netball World Cup scare
Australia’s Diamonds have survived a huge scare at the Netball World Cup, overcoming a surprise deficit in their toughest test yet.
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Australia has survived a huge scare to scrape through with a 70-46 win over Malawi in their toughest test yet at the Netball World Cup.
The Diamonds had dominated their opening three matches against Zimbabwe, Tonga and Fiji but the competition stepped up a notch against Malawi.
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Australia looked like they was taking control of Tuesday’s game, opening up a six goal lead in the first quarter before World No. 6 Malawi fought back.
The Queens turned over plenty of ball and were unpredictable in attack, surging back to briefly take the lead before the score was levelled 28-28 at halftime.
Fox Netball commentator Sue Gaudion said: “The Diamonds look absolutely rocked here. What an enormous second quarter from Malawi.”
Malawi won the second quarter 15-12, handing the Diamonds their first loss of a quarter so far in the World Cup.
Diamonds great Madi Browne said: “This is exactly the contest the Diamonds needed. I think this is a great contest.”
Malawi’s strong first half prompted Australian coach Stacey Marinkovich to make two changes at halftime — Sophie Garbin came on for Cara Koenen at goal shooter and Jo Weston replaced Sarah Klau at goal defence.
The Diamonds rebounded after the main break, retaking the lead in a dominant 21-9 third quarter and running away with the game.
Marinkovich used all 12 players at her disposal to get the Diamonds back in the game — their fifth in five days.
Garbin finished with 28 goals from 32 attempts as all four of Australia’s shooters scored at least 10 goals.
It was a particularly impressive performance by Malawi, considering the team risked falling apart after star goal shooter Mwai Kumwenda was publicly criticised by her own teammates for refusing to come off the bench earlier in the tournament.
Australia will next face the England Roses on Thursday at 5pm AEST.
The Diamonds are the favourites to win the World Cup. Their stiffest competition will be against Jamaica, who they could meet in the grand final.
Both Australia and Jamaica have scored 100 goals in a game in a showcase of their respective firepower.
It looks like a two horse race after New Zealand and South Africa’s star goal shooters Grace Nweke and Lenize Potgieter were cruelly ruled out of the World Cup with knee injuries.
Originally published as Australia ‘absolutely rocked’ by Malawi in huge Netball World Cup scare
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