Australia Women cruised to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held in Dubai. The win was set up by a stellar all-round performance, especially from Ashleigh Gardner, who claimed 4/21 to restrict Pakistan to a meagre 82 runs. The Aussies then chased down the target with ease, reaching 83/1 in just 11 overs, with 54 balls remaining. This loss leaves Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals hanging by a thin thread.
Pakistan, batting first after losing the toss, failed to gain any momentum throughout their innings. Their top order crumbled under pressure as Australian bowlers dominated from the start. Muneeba Ali, the captain, was the first to fall, dismissed for just seven runs by Sophie Molineux. Sidra Amin and Sadaf Shamas followed soon after, leaving Pakistan reeling at 23/3 by the sixth over. Nida Dar tried to stabilize the innings with a quick 10 but was stumped off Georgia Wareham’s bowling.
The only notable resistance came from Aliya Riaz, who top-scored with 26 off 32 balls. However, her dismissal in the 19th over sealed Pakistan’s fate as they were bowled out for just 82 runs in 19.5 overs. Gardner was the standout performer with the ball for Australia, taking four key wickets. She was ably supported by Georgia Wareham, who chipped in with 2/16, while Annabel Sutherland claimed two wickets as well.
In response, Australia’s chase was as smooth as expected. Opener Alyssa Healy played a blistering knock of 37 off 23 balls before retiring hurt. She was aggressive from the start, hitting five boundaries and keeping the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers. Beth Mooney, who contributed 15 off 15 balls, was the only wicket to fall, caught by Aliya Riaz off Sadia Iqbal’s bowling.
Ellyse Perry (22* off 23) and Ashleigh Gardner (7* off 5) then completed the chase comfortably in the 11th over. The victory was a perfect reflection of Australia’s dominance in both the batting and bowling departments, as Pakistan struggled to find answers throughout the match.
Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal: Pakistan’s chances of qualifying are nearly dead
This heavy defeat leaves Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals in jeopardy. With two losses in three matches, their qualification hopes now depend on the results of other teams and their ability to win the remaining group-stage matches. Pakistan will need a drastic turnaround in both form and fortune to keep its campaign alive. Their inconsistency in both batting and bowling has been their biggest downfall, and unless they can put up stronger performances in the next matches, their T20 World Cup journey might come to an early end.
Australia, on the other hand, showcased why they are one of the top contenders for the title. With this win, they are inching closer to securing their place in the semi-finals. Their bowling attack, led by Gardner and Wareham, has been lethal, while their batting lineup remains one of the most formidable in the competition.
Pakistan’s struggle to find consistency in this tournament is evident. Their batting lineup, especially, has failed to deliver under pressure, and the lack of substantial partnerships has been a recurring issue. The team heavily relies on experienced players like Muneeba Ali and Nida Dar, but with no consistent contributions from the middle and lower order, they are finding it difficult to post competitive totals.
Pakistan’s chances of qualifying now hang by a thin rope. To make it to the semi-finals, they must win their remaining group matches convincingly and hope for favourable results from other fixtures. Their performance against Australia, however, shows that significant improvements are required if they are to stand any chance of progressing further in the tournament.
Also, see:
Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 qualification scenario: How all teams are doing?
