Mooney plays starring role in run chase for Governor-General’s XI

A STIRRING player-of-the-match performance from Southern Stars left-hander Beth Mooney helped the Governor-General’s XI to a two-wicket win over South Africa yesterday.

Beth Mooney on her way to a player of match unbeaten 95 during Australian women's Governor General's XI v South Africa at Drummoyne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

A STIRRING player-of-the-match performance from Southern Stars left- hander Beth Mooney helped the Governor-General’s XI to a two-wicket win over South Africa yesterday.

The Governor-General’s XI, comprising the sport’s rising stars alongside established players such as Mooney and captain Ellyse Perry, claimed the win at Drummoyne Oval after South Africa batted first and scored 7-203 in their 50 overs.

Mooney was the star of the chase with the 22-year-old wicketkeeper scoring an unbeaten 95 as Australia claimed victory with 11 balls to spare in hot and windy conditions.

“It was nice to have a look and see what they have brought over,” said Mooney, who was named in the 13-strong squad to take on South Africa in a five-game series starting on Friday.

Beth Mooney drives during Australian women's Governor General's XI v South Africa at Drummoyne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The game gave players on the cusp of national selection the opportunity to impress before a big summer of cricket.

“The young girls really stood up,” Mooney said.

“It shows Australian women’s cricket is in a really good position.”

South Africa will now take on the Southern Stars in the one-day series at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The victorious team captained by Ellyse Perry during Australian women's Governor General's XI v South Africa at Drummoyne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Australian selectors have stuck with the same line-up which recently made a clean sweep of their tour to Sri Lanka.

The world No. 1 Australians will present a formidable challenge to the world No. 6 side in the five-game series with the Southern Stars already looking to next year’s World Cup.

Following games in Canberra on Friday and Sunday, Australia and South Africa will meet at North Sydney Oval on November 23 and then Coffs Harbour on November 27 and 29.