Australia effectively locked up a semi-final spot at the Women’s T20 World Cup with the biggest of the four consecutive thrashings they have dealt in this tournament, this time with Pakistan as the unlucky recipient by 113 runs. The result sets up a virtual elimination final for India: assuming the South Africans do the job against underpowered sides in Netherlands and Bangladesh, India will have to beat Australia at Lord’s on Sunday in order to take the other semi-final spot in Group A.
The first over of the day was the only time Australia were challenged, as opener Beth Mooney drove at the first ball of the innings from left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal, only to be held by a sensational one-handed catch from Gull Feroza at first slip. Australia’s banker for a golden duck, then Ash Gardner smacking a catch to deep midwicket from her second ball, should have been good news for Pakistan. In between times, though, Ellyse Perry and Georgia Voll smashed an even 100 runs inside 10 overs, aided by a bouquet of wides.
