Updated ,first published
Ellyse Perry produced a dominant all-round display as Australia overcame another injury to a fellow veteran to crush Pakistan by 113 runs at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Perry blasted 71 from 48 balls as Australia posted 7-199 at Headingly on Wednesday, and then took 2-9 as Pakistan were skittled for 86 in 13.4 overs.
The Australians have not yet officially qualified for the semi-finals, but their net run rate is so superior they’re effectively through with a game to spare.
But wicketkeeper Beth Mooney twice dislocated the same finger – last game, she was forced to retire hurt while batting because of a back complaint.
Mooney dislocated the middle finger of her right hand twice within two overs, both times off Kim Garth’s bowling.
Mooney continued keeping, but it wasn’t her day: earlier she was dismissed for a golden duck from the opening ball of the match.
That early breakthrough was as good as it got for Pakistan as Perry (nine fours, one six) and Georgia Voll (39 from 28 balls) combined for a 56-ball century partnership.
Ash Gardner also made a duck, but with Nicola Carey (26 not out from 13 balls) and Annabel Sutherland (27 off 18) chipping in, Perry cashed in.
“I really enjoyed my innings,” Perry said. “The power play is the best time to bat, I wanted to keep taking the game on.
“The format has probably been one that I’ve taken a while to kind of develop and really find the way that I want to play the game and contribute best to the group consistently.”
Pakistan had lost their opening three matches and their run chase was marred by two chaotic early runouts.
They still reached 50 at the end of the six overs, albeit for three wickets, mainly due to the hitting of wicketkeeper Muneeba Ali (32 from 25 balls).
Her fun was ended in the 10th over when Perry, with her first ball, bounced Muneeba and her pull shot was caught in the deep.
“Probably got a little bit lucky with the bowling, but it was fun to bowl an over,” Perry said.
“It was nice to consistently take wickets across the bowling group.”
Australia used eight bowlers with Perry, captain Sophie Molineux (2-6) and Sutherland (2-12) taking advantage.
“We’ve got options and depth and that’s a good problem to have,” said Molineux.
“I am enjoying captaincy. It’s been a challenge, the last few months have been very different for me, but I’m so lucky the staff and players have been incredible.
“People are stepping up when they get their chance and I think that will be key for us moving forward.”
Australia’s final group match is on Sunday, against India at Lord’s. Having lost to South Africa, India are likely to need to win to qualify for the last four.
But Australia are unlikely to ease up, not least as winning the group gives them two extra days’ preparation before the final, and probably means they avoid playing hosts England in the semi-final.
