Ash Gardner’s Triple Strike Leads Australia to Dominant Win Over Pakistan at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Dubai: Australia cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan in a one-sided encounter at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Sharjah. Star all-rounder Ash Gardner shone with the ball, taking three wickets in a single over, as the defending champions bundled Pakistan out for just 82 before chasing the target down with ease.
Australia’s third consecutive win came at a cost, though, with fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck suffering a shoulder injury in the opening over, and skipper Alyssa Healy retiring hurt after injuring her calf while batting.
Pakistan, missing captain Fatima Sana due to a family bereavement, continued to struggle with their aggressive powerplay strategy. Stand-in captain Muneeba Ali was the first to fall, dismissed by Sophie Molineux, and Megan Schutt made history by overtaking Nida Dar as the leading wicket-taker in T20I history, taking her tally to 144 wickets.
Pakistan’s batting crumbled as they slumped to 29-4, with Gardner and Annabel Sutherland ripping through the middle order. Nida Dar, Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder, was stumped for 10, leaving Aliya Riaz and Iram Javed to salvage what they could. Gardner then delivered a devastating spell, taking three wickets in the penultimate over to finish with figures of 4/21, while Sutherland claimed 2/15, ending Pakistan’s innings on 82.
Australia’s chase was as dominant as their bowling. Despite losing Beth Mooney for 20, Healy showcased her class, scoring 37 off 23 balls before her injury forced her to retire hurt. Ellyse Perry and Gardner comfortably guided Australia to 83-1 in just 11 overs, securing a nine-wicket victory.
With three wins from three, Australia remains on course for the knockout stages, with only a marquee clash against India remaining in the group stage.
Scores in Brief:
- Pakistan: 82 all out in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26, Sidra Ameen 12; Ash Gardner 4/21, Annabel Sutherland 2/15)
- Australia: 83-1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37, Ellyse Perry 22*; Sadia Iqbal 1/17)
- Result: Australia won by nine wickets