Australia overpowers New Zealand with inspiring victory in Women's T20 World Cup 2024 (@ICC/X.com)
In a stunning display of attacking bowling, Australia Women stunned New Zealand Women to grab a convincing 60-run victory. After the Aussies put 148 runs on the board, the Kiwis panicked after a loss of quick wickets in the chase, thus resulting in a humiliating collapse.
Here’s the timelines of how AUS-W vs NZ-W panned out in Sharjah-
AUS-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Alyssa Healy Falls After Promising Start
Australia opted to bat first and made the most out of the field restrictions. Openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney stitched a 41-run partnership before Rosemary Mair got rid of Healy with a smartly bowled slower delivery. Later, Beth Mooney received some support from Ellyse Perry as they stacked up 40 more runs together.
AUS-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Amelia Kerr Bowls A Damaging Spell
However, just when Australia tightened its grip on the game, Amelia Kerr produced a memorable spell. She got 4 wickets off 26 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Mooney and Perry.
Kerr’s carnage slowed down the pace of the game as Australia finished with a 148-run total at the end of the first innings. Australia was indeed 10-15 short due to a lack of firepower from the lower order.
AUS-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Megan Schutt Fights Back
Megan Schutt disturbed New Zealand opener Georgia Plimmer’s stumps with a well-executed good length delivery that stayed low, leaving Plimmer completely out of place. With that wicket, she became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Sophie Molineux stepped up at the right time to break a 47-run stand between Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr. Before the Kiwis could recover from Bates’ dismissal, Schutt was brought back into the attack. Kerr badly mistimed her awkward attempt to hit a boundary and holed out to Sutherland at long-on.
AUS-W vs NZ-W Highlights: Lower Order Collapse Leads To NZ’s Humiliating Loss
New Zealand visibly succumbed to pressure, leading to a lower-order collapse. With back-to-back wickets of Isabella Gaze, Lea Tahuhu, and Rosemary Mair, the Kiwis were reduced to 78/8. Furthermore, owing to Anna Sutherland’s sensational 3/21 spell and Schutt’s 3/3 magical figure, New Zealand were bowled out for 88/10 as Australia secured a massive 60-run victory to finish things off in style.
With that, Australia continued their unbeaten run in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, whereas New Zealand badly damaged their NRR with the heavy loss.
 "Akshita Patel")
