Megan Schutt sets new T20 World Cup wicket-taking record in big Australian win

Australia’s T20 World Cup dominance has continued in the United Arab Emirates on a milestone night for a host of stars.

Veteran Australian seamer Megan Schutt is still lapping up the “impact” she can have after becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20 World Cup history with a stunning spell on a milestone night for the defending champions who took their winning streak over New Zealand to 10 matches.

Australian captain Alyssa Healy passed 3000 T20 runs and Ellyse Perry 2000 in the 69-run win anchored by Schutt’s three wickets and a team-high 40 runs from opener Beth Mooney in Sharjah.

Battling oppressive conditions, Schutt, who took an incredible 3-3, said the Australians’ preparation to cope with the heat was starting to make a difference in their quest for a fourth-straight title.

“I feel like I’ve lost a few litres (of fluid), but I feel pretty good,” she said after taking her T20 World Cup wicket haul to a record 46.

“It really ebbed and flowed in the first innings, and I think we left a few out there. But I knew if we kept it tight in the powerplay we’d be able to peg them back in the middle. We had a strong emphasis on fitness, and it’s really paid off given the heat.”

A new name on the top spot - Megan Schutt 📈☝

Leading wicket-takers in Women's #T20WorldCup History!#WhateverItTakespic.twitter.com/lmr52bxfEz

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 8, 2024

Mooney, who has topped the scoring for Australia in the opening two wins, said 31-year-old Schutt showed just how valuable she was as a dominant seam bowler on wickets in the United Arab Emirates more suited to spin.

“Megan Schutt’s been outstanding for us, not just in the last two games, but throughout her whole career,” she said.

“I think she’s in a really good place with her career as well. I think she’s really enjoying it and knows the impact that she can have and we certainly know the difference that she can make in our line-up, and as I mentioned before, just seeing the likes of (Megan) Schutt and Belsey (Annabel Sutherland) being able to have that impact as pace bowlers in some conditions that perhaps aren’t as suited to them has been really impressive to watch.”

Megan Schutt celebrates with captain Alyssa Healy. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images

The Kiwis could manage just 88 runs against the Australians, chasing 149 to win, a score that could have been more according to Healy who made 26 off 20 balls to achieve her personal milestone.

“We could have been smarter with the bat at the end, but we came out really well with the ball and I’m really happy with that,” she said.

“Megan Schutt has been wonderful, but I thought the whole attack tonight was unbelievable.”

Annabel Sutherland then took 3-21 and spinner Sophie Molineux 2-15 to rout the Kiwis and take the winning streak to 10 matches against them, having carved them up 3-0 in a series in Mackay before the World Cup.

Beth Mooney topscored for Australia again. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Australia, the only unbeaten team in their pool, next head to Dubai International Cricket Stadium to play Pakistan on Saturday morning and Mooney said their best game was still ahead of them.

“I think if we’re being really critical we probably missed out on a few with the bat towards the middle on the back end there with a few wickets in a row but certainly really pleasing the spot that we’ve got ourselves into in this tournament,” she said.

“Seeing the likes of Megan and Annabel Sutherland coming to the fore on wickets that are perhaps considered a bit more spin friendly, that those guys are having a huge impact, so really pleasing where we’re at and certainly very happy with that result tonight.”