Australia Women secured a comprehensive 60-run victory over New Zealand Women in Match 10 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The game, played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, saw the Australians showcase both strong batting and bowling, with Megan Schutt’s 3/3 spell playing a decisive role in dismantling New Zealand’s chase.
Australia’s Batting Performance
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia posted a total of 148/8 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Beth Mooney‘s solid knock of 40 off 32 balls, supported by Ellyse Perry with 30 off 24 and skipper Alyssa Healy contributing 26 off 20. The New Zealand bowlers were able to take regular wickets, keeping the Australians from reaching an even bigger total.
Melie Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 4 wickets for 26 runs in her 4 overs. Brooke Halliday also contributed with the ball, taking 2 wickets.
Key Moments in Australia’s Innings:
- Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney put up a steady opening partnership of 41 runs.
- Australia lost wickets in quick succession between the 10th and 14th overs, but contributions from the middle order kept the scoreboard moving.
- Annabel Sutherland (2 off 3) and Sophie Molineux (7 off 3) added crucial late runs to get Australia to a defendable total of 148.
New Zealand’s Struggle with the Bat
Chasing 149 for victory, New Zealand struggled right from the start. Megan Schutt’s early strikes rocked the New Zealand top order, and they never truly recovered. Schutt, who was named Player of the Match, bowled with remarkable precision, returning with incredible figures of 3/3 in 3.2 overs. Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux also added to the pressure, taking 3 wickets and 2 wickets, respectively.
New Zealand’s highest scorer was Melie Kerr, who made a valiant 29 off 31 balls. However, with no other batter crossing the 20-run mark, New Zealand was bowled out for 88 in 19.2 overs, falling well short of the target.
Notable Moments in New Zealand’s Innings:
- Megan Schutt dismissed both Georgia Plimmer and Melie Kerr, breaking the back of New Zealand’s batting.
- Sophie Molineux took key wickets of Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, making it difficult for New Zealand to recover.
- Annabel Sutherland ended the hopes of a lower-order fightback by taking 3 wickets, including that of Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze.
Bowling Masterclass by Megan Schutt
Megan Schutt was the star of the night, bowling with extreme accuracy and control. Her 3/3 in just 3.2 overs rattled New Zealand’s top order. Combined with strong spells from Molineux (2/15) and Sutherland (3/21), Australia’s bowlers ensured that New Zealand never found their footing in the chase.
Fall of Wickets for New Zealand:
- 7/1: Georgia Plimmer (2.2 overs)
- 54/2: Suzie Bates (10.1 overs)
- 56/3: Melie Kerr (11.3 overs)
- 59/4: Brooke Halliday (12.4 overs)
- 60/5: Maddy Green (13.1 overs)
- 60/6: Izzy Gaze (13.2 overs)
- 75/7: Lea Tahuhu (15.5 overs)
- 78/8: Rosemary Mair (16.2 overs)
- 81/9: Sophie Devine (17.1 overs)
- 88/10: Eden Carson (19.2 overs)
Australia’s Bowling Performance
Bowling Figures for Australia:
- Megan Schutt: 3.2 overs, 1 maiden, 3 runs, 3 wickets
- Sophie Molineux: 4 overs, 0 maidens, 15 runs, 2 wickets
- Annabel Sutherland: 4 overs, 0 maidens, 21 runs, 3 wickets
- Ash Gardner: 3 overs, 0 maidens, 22 runs, 0 wickets
- Georgia Wareham: 4 overs, 0 maidens, 21 runs, 1 wicket
- Tahlia McGrath: 1 over, 0 maidens, 4 runs, 1 wicket
Match Summary
- Australia Women: 148/8 (20 overs)
- Beth Mooney: 40 (32)
- Ellyse Perry: 30 (24)
- Melie Kerr: 4/26
- New Zealand Women: 88 (19.2 overs)
- Melie Kerr: 29 (31)
- Megan Schutt: 3/3 (3.2 overs)
Australia Women won by 60 runs.
