All-round display powers six-time champions closer to semi-finals while New Zealand and Sri Lanka keep qualification hopes alive
Australia moved a step closer to the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals after a dominant 113-run win over Pakistan on Tuesday, with Ellyse Perry delivering a match-winning all-round performance.
Perry smashed 71 off 48 balls to anchor Australia’s imposing total of 199-7 before returning with the ball to claim two wickets as Pakistan crumbled for just 86. The emphatic result gave Australia a fourth straight win in the group stage and strengthened their position ahead of a crucial clash against India on Sunday.
Pakistan, already out of the tournament, never recovered after losing early wickets and finished with another heavy defeat in a disappointing campaign.
Perry leads Australia charge with bat and ball
Batting first, Australia piled up a commanding total after Perry played a fluent innings packed with aggressive strokeplay and control. Her knock laid the platform for a daunting target that Pakistan failed to challenge.
In reply, Pakistan showed little resistance. Muneeba Ali top-scored with 32 before becoming Perry’s wicket, while the innings also featured three run-outs as the batting lineup collapsed under pressure.
Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless discipline and never allowed Pakistan to settle, sealing one of the biggest wins of the tournament so far.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka stay alive in semi-final race
Elsewhere, defending champions New Zealand kept their slim hopes alive with a six-wicket win over Scotland in Bristol. Darcey Carter made an unbeaten 72 to guide Scotland to 131, but a century stand between Izzy Sharp, who scored 62, and Brooke Halliday, who added 41, carried New Zealand home comfortably.
However, New Zealand still need help from other results to reach the last four.
Sri Lanka also remained in contention after crushing Ireland by nine wickets. Captain Chamari Athapaththu produced the highest score of the tournament so far, blasting an unbeaten 106 off 61 balls with 17 fours and two sixes as Sri Lanka chased down 131 with ease.
Sri Lanka must now beat Scotland and hope other results fall in their favour to reach the semi-finals.
