Colombo: A brilliant century from Beth Mooney rescued Australia from a disastrous collapse and powered the defending champions to a commanding 107-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash on Wednesday.
Asked to bat first, Australia were staring down the barrel at 76 for 7 in the 22nd over, undone by Pakistan’s disciplined spin attack led by Nashra Sandhu (3/37) and Rameen Shamim (2/29). But Mooney, showcasing nerves of steel, played one of the finest innings of her career — a superb 109 off 114 balls — her fifth ODI hundred and first in a World Cup.
Mooney found a vital partner in Alana King, who contributed an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, as the duo stitched together a record 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket — the highest for that wicket or lower in women’s ODIs. Their partnership helped Australia recover to a competitive 221 for 9, a total that ultimately proved well beyond Pakistan’s reach.
This was Beth Mooney’s maiden ICC World Cup hundred. Her heroics helped Australia claw their way back into the game and comfortably defeat Pakistan to top the points table (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
In response, Pakistan’s chase never got going. Their top order crumbled under relentless pressure from Australia’s bowlers. Kim Garth (3/14), Annabel Sutherland (2/15), and Megan Schutt (2/25) combined to bowl Pakistan out for just 114 in 36.3 overs. Only Sidra Amin (35) offered resistance, but once she fell in the 22nd over, Pakistan’s innings folded rapidly.
Earlier, Australia’s top order was left in tatters after Alyssa Healy, Phoebe Litchfield, and Ellyse Perry departed cheaply. Pakistan’s sharp fielding and tight spin bowling appeared to have set up a major upset. However, Mooney’s masterclass — built on timing, patience, and calculated aggression — completely turned the game around.
Also Read: Chloe Tryon: ‘South Africans never give up, never back down’ ahead of Women’s World Cup 2025
The victory keeps Australia unbeaten in the tournament, following their opening win over New Zealand, while their match against Sri Lanka was washed out. The result also takes them to the top of the points table, underlining why the six-time champions remain the team to beat.
For Pakistan, it was their third straight loss, following defeats to India and Bangladesh, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the standings and facing an uphill task to stay alive in the competition.
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