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Gardner’s Four-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to a Dominant Win Over Pakistan in T20 World Cup
Australia extended their incredible run in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup with a resounding nine-wicket win over Pakistan in a Group A encounter at the Dubai International Stadium. With this victory, Australia notched their 14th consecutive win in T20 World Cup competitions. Ashleigh Gardner spearheaded the attack with a brilliant four-wicket haul, supported by impressive spells from Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland, to bowl Pakistan out for a meager 82. Australia chased the target comfortably, sealing the win with 54 balls to spare.
Australia’s Ruthless Bowling Crushes Pakistan’s Hopes
Coming into the game with a perfect 15-0 head-to-head record against Pakistan, Australia opted to bowl first and immediately put their opponents under pressure. Pakistan, already handicapped by the absence of captain Fatima Sana, was forced to shuffle their playing XI. Stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali introduced Sadaf Shamas and Iram Javed into the side while dropping opener Gull Feroza.
Australia’s bowlers struck early, reducing Pakistan to 23/2 after the PowerPlay. Muneeba fell to Sophie Molineux, caught at mid-wicket, while Sadaf Shamas edged a delivery to Alyssa Healy, standing up to Megan Schutt. Pakistan struggled to find any rhythm, taking 49 deliveries to score their first boundary—a flick from Nida Dar—by which time they had already lost crucial wickets.
Sutherland and Wareham kept the pressure on with timely breakthroughs, dismissing Sidra Amin and Omaima Sohail, respectively. Dar’s attempt to revive the innings was cut short when she stepped out to Wareham and was stumped, highlighting Pakistan’s struggle against Australia’s disciplined attack.
Gardner’s Late Surge Ends Pakistan’s Resistance
Gardner unleashed her best in the 17th over, starting with the dismissal of Iram Javed, who failed to connect with a slog sweep. She then removed Tuba Hassan, Syeda Aroob, and Nashra Sandhu in quick succession, completing her spell with figures of 4 for 21. Aliya Riaz, Pakistan’s top-scorer with 26 off 32 balls, provided the only meaningful resistance, hitting three of the four boundaries in the innings before being the last batter dismissed.
Pakistan’s innings ended at 82 in 19.5 overs, leaving Australia with a simple chase on a pitch conducive to batting.
Injuries Mar an Otherwise Flawless Australian Performance
Australia’s dominant display was slightly overshadowed by two injury concerns. Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck, playing her first T20 World Cup match since 2018, dislocated her shoulder while sliding awkwardly on the field. She lasted only four deliveries in her comeback game. Additionally, skipper Alyssa Healy retired hurt with a suspected calf injury, walking off just before Australia completed their chase. The severity of both injuries remains unclear.
Australia Chase Down Target With Ease
Despite the injury setbacks, Australia showed no mercy with the bat. Openers Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy began briskly, matching Pakistan’s total boundary count by the third over. Mooney struck three fours off Sadia Iqbal in a single over, setting the tone for a quick chase. Even after Mooney’s departure, Healy continued the assault, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 23 balls. She retired hurt with just 13 runs needed, but Australia comfortably finished the job in 11 overs, ending at 83/1.
Brief Scores and Match Summary
Pakistan: 82 in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26; Ashleigh Gardner 4-21, Georgia Wareham 2-16, Annabel Sutherland 2-15)
Australia: 83/1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37*)
Australia’s commanding nine-wicket victory not only extends their winning streak but also reinforces their position as strong contenders for the title. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly as they seek their first-ever win against Australia in the T20 World Cup.
