Leeds, 24 June (H.S.): Powered by a superb half-century from Ellyse Perry and a clinical bowling performance, Australia recorded their fourth consecutive victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup, thrashing Pakistan by 113 runs in a Group A encounter late Tuesday night. With the emphatic win, Australia have all but secured a place in the semi-finals, while Pakistan suffered their fourth successive defeat of the tournament.

Batting first, Australia posted a formidable total of 199 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for just 86 runs in 13.4 overs.

Australia suffered an early setback when Beth Mooney was dismissed without scoring. However, Ellyse Perry and Georgia Voll steadied the innings with a 100-run partnership for the second wicket. Perry played a magnificent knock of 71 runs from 48 deliveries, striking several elegant boundaries, while Voll contributed 39 runs.

For Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal claimed two wickets each, but they were unable to prevent the Australians from posting a massive total.

Chasing a daunting target of 200, Pakistan endured a disastrous start. Gul Feroza was run out in only the second over, setting the tone for a disappointing batting performance. Pakistan lost a total of three batters to run-outs, severely hampering their chase and preventing any realistic comeback.

Muneeba Ali scored 32 runs and Fatima Sana added 17, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to cope with Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.

After starring with the bat, Perry also made a significant impact with the ball, taking two crucial wickets while conceding just nine runs in a single over. Sophie Molineux finished with figures of 2 for 6, while Annabel Sutherland also picked up two wickets.

Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 86, handing Australia a comprehensive 113-run victory.

Australia will next face India, while Pakistan will take on the Netherlands as they continue their search for a first win in the tournament.

Brief Scores:

Australia – 199/7 (20 overs)

Ellyse Perry 71, Georgia Voll 39

Nashra Sandhu 2/33, Sadia Iqbal 2/31

Pakistan – 86 all out (13.4 overs)

Muneeba Ali 32, Fatima Sana 17

Sophie Molineux 2/6, Ellyse Perry 2/9

Result: Australia won by 113 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar