Australia have raced to the top of the Women’s World Cup standings with a swift seven-wicket win over Pakistan.
Alyssa Healy’s 72 helped Australia chase down Pakistan’s 6-190 with 92 balls to spare.
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In opposition to Australia, Pakistan placed on an improved show from their first-up defeat of India, rallying from 4-44 thanks to a 99-run stand from Aliya Riaz and Bismah Maroof.
Together with her seven-month-old daughter Fatima in the stands, Maroof struck an unbeaten 78, repelling the spin-heavy Australian assault.
Nevertheless, Australia’s top order made quick work of the below-par whole with Healy making her greatest World Cup rating.
Captain Meg Lanning stated she noticed “a much better performance” from her facet than Saturday’s cliffhanger with England.
“In the field we really lifted,” she stated.
“We were pretty disciplined through our bowling innings. While we weren’t taking wickets, we were keeping that run rate in check which is important.”
The match favourites had been at all times seemingly to triumph in opposition to the World Cup’s lowest-ranked facet and made certain of it with knowledgeable show at Tauranga’s Bay Oval.
Australia made two modifications from their first-up win over England on Sunday, dropping Darcie Brown and resting Tahlia McGrath, who had a sore heel.
Into the facet got here Nicola Carey, making her World Cup debut, and spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington who was favoured on the turning wicket.
Regardless of the spin-friendly pitch, Australia’s seam assault did the early harm.
Meg Schutt and Ellyse Perry eliminated openers Sidhra Amin and Nahida Khan, each caught at slip to go away Pakistan reeling at 2-11.
Nationwide staff bolter Alana King, recent from her star flip in opposition to England, then produced one other stunner to dismiss Omaima Sohail.
The legspinner, Australia’s greatest bowler with 2-24, squeezed a supply by means of Sohail’s bat and pad which struck the top of the center stump.
Wellington then took her first worldwide wicket in 4 years, with Lanning known as into motion in the slips once more to pouch a heavy outdoors edge.
Riaz and skipper Maroof then pissed off Australia for 30 overs, tallying Pakistan’s greatest Women’s World Cup partnership.
Carey ended their stand in the forty fifth over, trapping Riaz in entrance.
In reply, Australia’s openers loved lives after they had been dropped in the discipline earlier than holing out.
Healy was dropped at mid-wicket off Anam Amin’s spin on eight, whereas in the subsequent over Nida Dar put down a easy likelihood to snare early-innings aggressor Rachael Haynes off her personal bowling.
Haynes fell shortly after for 34 off 34 balls, whereas Healy cashed in earlier than discovering a fielder at long-on.
Lanning began slowly scoring three off 20 however improved to 35 off 37, earlier than chopping on a Sohail supply.
Beth Mooney (23* off 26) and Ellyse Perry (26* off 33) then completed off Pakistan, Mooney sealing victory with an outstanding cowl drive.
Australia’s subsequent task is in opposition to hosts New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday, whereas Pakistan will keep in Tauranga as they hunt a primary win of the match in opposition to South Africa on Friday.
