Australia began the defence of their T20 World Cup title with a comfortable six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Sharjah.
The six-time champions suffered a slight wobble, falling to 35-3 in pursuit of just 94, but opener Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 43 led them over the line with 34 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka were thoroughly outplayed in a pitiful batting effort and crawled to 93-7 from their 20 overs as Australia started in predictably ruthless fashion.
And while Sri Lanka fought bravely with the three early wickets on a slow pitch offering some uneven bounce, they ultimately paid the price for such a paltry total as Australia’s strength in depth once again prevailed.
The sluggish pitch did not allow for Australia’s usual free-flowing style, as captain Alyssa Healy fell for four, Georgia Wareham was clumsily run out for three and star all-rounder Ellyse Perry was bowled for 17.
Yet Mooney, who was dropped on 22, held her nerve despite struggling in the brutal heat.
There were also some uncharacteristic mistakes in the field, with five front-foot no-balls bowled and Darcie Brown dropping a simple catch, but Healy’s side recovered brilliantly with a relentless display to stifle Sri Lanka.
Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Samarawickrama made 29 and 23 respectively but their efforts came from 35 and 40 balls, as captain Chamari Athapaththu’s early departure once again proved costly.
Sri Lanka are now facing a disappointing group-stage exit having lost their two opening matches, needing a big win against India on Wednesday and for other results to go their way.
Australia face New Zealand on Monday, a tantalising prospect after the White Ferns’ emphatic win over India in their opener.
More to follow.
