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Defending champions Australia recorded a mammoth 60-run win over New Zealand to move to the top of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup Group A. They have earned four points and have a stellar net run rate. The Alyssa Healy-led side outplayed the White Ferns across all departments at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 8.
After opting to bat first, the Australian openers showed intent in the powerplay. Although Healy struggled, she switched gears after surviving a close LBW call. The skipper scored 26 runs to help her side post 43 runs in the powerplay.
Much like Healy, all-rounder Ellyse Perry also struggled at the crease after coming in at No. 3. She was tottering at four runs off 11 deliveries, which included eight dot balls in a row when Maddy Green dropped a sitter at long-on. It proved to be a pivotal point as Australia recovered with a counter-attack.
Amelia Kerr triggered a collapse with a double strike that included the dismissals of Ellyse Perry and Grace Harris. However, Australia's imperious batting depth chipped in with marginal scores to help the side post a well above-par score of 148-8.
New Zealand struggled against the potent Australian bowling unit right away. Megan Schutt made the first breakthrough by dismissing Georgia Plimmer in the third over. The duo of Amelia Kerr and Suzie Bates stitched a partnership, but the pressure of the required rate eventually and inevitably brought over a landslide collapse.
From 54-1, New Zealand crumbled to 88 all-out. Pacers Annabel Sutherland and Megan Schutt ended up with three wickets apiece, while Sophie Molineux chipped in with two scalps as well.
Australia now have four points after their wins over Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Group A. Commanding margins in both those wins have bolstered their net run rate to +2.524.
On the other hand, the humbling defeat has taken a significant hit on New Zealand's net run rate. The figure read +2.900 after their thumping win over India, but it has come down to -0.050. The Sophie Devine-led side are now placed third in the group with two points.
Group A now has three teams tied on two points apiece. Pakistan hold the second spot owing to their superior net run rate of +0.555, while India are ranked fourth with a net run rate of -1.217.
Australia to face Pakistan next on October 11
Australia have begun their quest for a fourth title in a row on a perfect note. They next face Pakistan on Friday, October 11 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Meanwhile, New Zealand are scheduled to take on Sri Lanka on Saturday, October at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
