The Australian Women’s Cricket Team continued its unbeaten run at the ICC Women’s World Cup today with a 159-run win against Pakistan at Grace Road, Leicester.
Defending 290 Australia was impressive with the ball, spinner Jess Jonassen (1-12) the first to strike when she bowled opener Bibi Nahida (0).
Fellow spinner Kristen Beams (3-23) then tightened the screws with three wickets, whilst Ashleigh Gardner (3-28) and debutant Sarah Aley (2-29) were also among the wickets.
Having won the toss and elected to bat earlier in the day, Australia found themselves 2-7 and on the back foot after openers Beth Mooney (0) and Nicole Bolton (3) were dismissed cheaply.
Captain Rachael Haynes (28) and Ellyse Perry (63) set about rebuilding, reaching 60 before Haynes was caught behind.
Australia’s middle order then began to make amends for the tough start, with Elyse Villani (59) bringing up her second ODI half century off just 34 balls before a blistering 63 off 40 balls from Alyssa Healy boosted the total to 8-290.
Scores:
Australia 290-8, 50 overs (Ellyse Perry 66, Alyssa Healy 63 not out, Elyse Villani 59, Rachael Haynes 28, Alex Blackwell 23; Sana Mir 3-49, Sadiq Yousuf 2-66) beat Pakistan 131 all out, 50 overs (Sana Mir 45, Iram Javed 21; Kristen Beams 3-23, Ashleigh Gardner 3-28, Sarah Aley 2-29) by 159 runs
Player of the match – Elyse Villani (Australia)