Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia begins title defense with six-wicket win

Australia started the defense of their T20 World Cup title with a comfortable six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Sharjah.

The six-time champions suffered a slight wobble and fell to 35-3 in pursuit of just 94, but opener Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 43 guided them over the line with 34 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka were thoroughly outplayed in a pitiful batting effort and crawled to 93-7 after twenty overs as Australia started in predictably ruthless fashion.

And while Sri Lanka fought valiantly with the three early wickets on a slow delivery that offered uneven bounce, they ultimately paid the price for such a paltry total as Australia’s depth of strength once again gained the upper hand.

The slow pitch did not allow for Australia’s usual free-flowing style as captain Alyssa Healy fell for four, Georgia Wareham was clumsily run out for three and star all-rounder Ellyse Perry was bowled for 17.

Still, Mooney, who was dropped at 22, held her nerve despite struggling in the brutal heat.

There were also some uncharacteristic errors in the field, with five no-balls on the front foot and Darcie Brown dropping a simple catch, but Healy’s side recovered brilliantly with a ruthless performance to quell Sri Lanka.

Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Samarawickrama made 29 and 23 respectively, but their efforts came off 35 and 40 balls as captain Chamari Athapaththu’s early departure again proved costly.

Sri Lanka now faces a disappointing group stage exit having lost their two opening matches and needs a big win against India on Wednesday as well as other results.

Australia face New Zealand on Monday, a tantalizing prospect after the White Ferns’ emphatic win over India in their opener.

More to follow.