(Photo©ICC 2023)
Australia put on a dominant display as they kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title defence with a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
In the match held in Sharjah, Sri Lanka made the decision to bat first but faced difficulties, managing to score only 93 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Nilakshika Silva played a crucial role, emerging as the top scorer with an unbeaten 29 runs.
Australia faced a tough challenge, but Beth Mooney’s impressive unbeaten 43 not out helped her team secure victory with 5.4 overs to spare, despite the draining effects of the sun.
In the match against the top-ranked team, Sri Lanka struggled to make a positive start. The opposing team applied pressure from the beginning, with the first run taking 10 balls to score. Vishmi Gunarathne, unfortunately, departed without scoring, adding to Sri Lanka’s early woes.
Chamari Athapatthu failed
Captain Chamari Athapathtthu was out for just three runs when Australia successfully reviewed an LBW decision, leading to Ashleigh Gardner claiming her first wicket of the match.
Sri Lanka secured their first boundary during the match when Harshitha Samarawickrama capitalized on a free hit, scoring a four after the Australian team bowled their third no ball of the innings.
Australia made an unfortunate record by bowling their fifth no ball. This occurred in Darcie Brown’s first over, which cost 12 runs and helped Sri Lanka reach 23 for two at the end of the powerplay.
However, Australia managed to regain control when Sophie Molineux took the third LBW wicket of the innings, leading to Sri Lanka losing their second review.
Samarawickrama played a crucial role in boosting the team’s score to 43 for three at the halfway stage. Her inning was extended when, on 20 runs, Brown missed a catch as she slid in from extra cover.
After scoring just three more runs, the wicketkeeper fell victim to Molineux, who claimed her second wicket with a straightforward caught and bowled. This marked Molineux’s impressive return to the World Cup stage following a period of injury.
Silva put up a strong defence but was unable to accelerate the scoring, ultimately finishing with 29 runs from 40 balls without being dismissed.
Megan Schutt brought an end to her 34-run partnership with Anushka Sanjeewani by taking two wickets in two balls, which allowed her to tie Shabnim Ismail for the most T20 World Cup wickets at 43. This occurred as Sri Lanka posted a total of 93 for seven.
Easy game for Australia
In the beginning of the reply, Australia suffered a setback when their captain, Alyssa Healy, was bowled out by Udeshika Prabodhani in the opening over.
Australia’s decision to move Georgia Wareham up the order proved to be unsuccessful, as she was run out as a result of Kavisha Dilhari’s astute fielding. This left Australia struggling at 14 for two.
Mooney, with her composed and collected demeanor, took charge of the chase and guided Australia to a score of 62 for three at the midway point, partnering with Gardner.
The partnership between the two players was finally brought to an end when Gardner, at a score of 43, hit a high shot that was easily caught by Samarawickrama. However, this turn of events only served to delay the inevitable outcome of the match.
Mooney concluded the match with an unbeaten score of 43, showcasing the same exceptional form she displayed in the 2023 World Cup final, where her outstanding performance of 78 not out earned her the title of Player of the Final.
Australia extended their impressive winning streak at World Cups by securing their 12th consecutive victory, ultimately triumphing with a six-wicket win.
There is no room for Sri Lanka
With the defeat in this crucial match, the Sri Lankan team’s dreams of clinching the World Cup trophy were all but extinguished. With just two matches remaining, against formidable opponents India and New Zealand, the road to the semifinals seems exceedingly difficult, even if Sri Lanka manages to secure victories in both encounters.
