Women’s Cricket World Cup: Australia beat Pakistan by 159 runs to remain undefeated

EVEN the loss of two early wickets was not enough to rattle Australia as they cruised to an 159-run victory over Pakistan to remain undefeated this World Cup.

Australia posted their highest score of this World Cup as they got a work out with bat and ball against Pakistan.

NOT even the loss of two early wickets was enough to rattle the Australian team as they cruised to an 159-run victory over Pakistan to remain undefeated this World Cup.

Pakistan went on the attack early and claimed the wickets of openers Beth Mooney and Nicole Bolton within the first six overs, but stand-in captain Rachael Haynes kept usual skipper Meg Lanning’s same calm approach and the Australians went from being 2-18 at the 10-over mark to post an imposing total of 290, 102 coming from the final 10 overs.

Alyssa Healy was one of a clutch of Aussie batters who went past 50.

It was a superb batting effort, most notably Elyse Villani (59), Ellyse Perry (66) and Alyssa Healy (63*), who all posted half-centuries.

“It was a little bit shaky at the start, but the way Elyse Villani and Alyssa Healy came out and played it was really positive,” said Haynes.

“Pretty low risk really but it set the tone and gave us really good momentum heading in to our bowling innings.

LISTEN UP: Fiona Bollen is joined by Phillip Barker from ‘Inside the Game’ to dissect Australia’s comprehensive win over Pakistan and preview their big match next up against hosts England.

“It was really great in some respects to see that throughout our order. We can take a lot of positives out of today.”

Haynes was a somewhat controversial choice of captain coming in to the team for Lanning who was sidelined with an ongoing shoulder injury. Some thought vice-captain Alex Blackwell would get the nod, however team management said they chose Haynes for her similar leadership style to Lanning.

Sarah Aley of Australia celebrates after taking the wicket of Ayesha Zafar.

“There could have been any number of players who could do it,” Haynes said.

“Ellyse Perry captains the Sixers, Alyssa Healy is captain as well, I’ve got some experience, Alex has got some experience.

“At the end of the day it’s not our decision as players who does it, we’ve got really strong leaders within in our group. That showed and we just got on with business and got the win.”

Either way, they got the win and Australia posted its largest total this tournament. It was the first time they batted first and Pakistan tested their depth.

The arrival of Villani at the crease after Haynes was controversially given out off an edge, which she’d actually missed, hauled back the momentum for the Australians.

The Victorian smashed a quickfire 59 off 40 that included five fours and four sixes and earned her player of the match honours. Villani had scored just two sixes in her career before that.

Diana Baig of Pakistan appeals during the match at Grace Road, Leicester.

Healy closed out the innings and finished with her second half-century in ODI cricket and her highest total ever. She finished the innings alongside Sixers teammate Sarah Aley, who made her international debut and managed 15 off eight, as well as two wickets and a catch.

Most of the Aussies batted with Perry beside them, the experienced bowler-turned-batter coming in at three for Lanning and staying at the crease until the 42nd over. She saw out a number of crucial partnerships — 53 with Haynes, 83 with Villani, 32 with Blackwell and 28 with Healy.

Perry fell short of making her first ODI 100 when she was caught by Pakistani captain Sana Mir on 66, but played her role to perfection.

Mir rued some missed chances in the field after they dropped Villani on four and said their batters needed to be better in their final matches.

“We need a lot of work in the death overs. Most of the innings the bowlers were really good up front but the fielding did not support it,” Mir said.

Asmavia Iqbal of Pakistan is clean bowled as Australia posted another commanding win.

“Chances like that (catching Villani) against big teams, the players make you realise how costly those chances are.

“The batters have to step up, it’s very important now. It’s been four matches and it’s important that they step up now. We’ve got three games to go and it’s very important we finish on a positive.”

Pakistan only managed 131 from their 50 overs, but they were stubborn at the crease — Australia claimed the final wicket on the last ball of the match when Kristen Beams ran out Diana Baig. Mir top scored with 45, while Iram Javed contributed 21.

Ashleigh Gardner and Kristen Beams both finished with three wickets each.