Beth Mooney's Heroic 109 Lifts Australia in Women's World Cup Thriller

Colombo, Oct 8 (PTI) — Veteran batter Beth Mooney showcased her brilliance with a stellar 109, leading Australia to a competitive 221/9 in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup match against Pakistan. Initially in turmoil at 76/7 due to the clever spin attack spearheaded by Nashra Sandhu, Mooney stood firm and resurrected the innings through key partnerships, propelling her team past the 200-mark after being sent in to bat.

Sandhu impressed with figures of 3/37, weaving a web around the Australian lineup along with the other spinners. However, Mooney remained unflustered, reaching her fifth ODI century with 11 boundaries from 114 deliveries, proving pivotal for Australia's innings.

Another significant contribution came from No. 10 batter Alana King, who remained unbeaten with a valiant 51 off 49 balls. Together, Mooney and King established a record 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket, marking the highest stand for the ninth or a lower wicket in women's ODIs. This surpassed the previous best of 76 runs, achieved by Ashleigh Gardner and Kim Garth against South Africa in 2024.

Mooney walked out when the team was struggling at 30 for two and watched her partners fall around her with composure and determination. Australia stood at 83 for seven halfway through their innings but managed to add a notable 138 runs for the loss of just two wickets from that dire position.

On a slow, turning track, Australia's higher order struggled due to questionable shot selections and a lack of application, while Pakistan excelled with sharp fielding and crucial catch-taking.

Australia's innings stumbled early with Healy departing in the seventh over, followed by Phoebe Litchfield three balls later, both with the score at 30. As the pitch continued to assist the spinners, Sandhu picked up the key wickets of Ellyse Perry (5) and Annabel Sutherland (1), reducing Australia to a precarious 59 for four by the 15th over.

Ashleigh Gardner's century against New Zealand could not prevent her from succumbing to a reckless stroke off Shamim's bowling, spooning a catch to midwicket. Australia's predicament worsened to 60 for five by the 16th over, losing three wickets for just five runs.

The collapse was furthered by the quick dismissals of Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham within five balls, for the addition of a solitary run.

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