Australia registered a thumping 60-run win against New Zealand in Match 10 of Group A at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday (October 8). Defending a competitive total of 148/8, the Australians showcased a dominant bowling display, skittling out New Zealand for just 88 runs in 19.2 overs. Megan Schutt led the charge with a remarkable performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 3 runs, which earned her the Player of the Match award. Schutt’s disciplined bowling, along with key contributions from Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland, helped Australia maintain control throughout New Zealand’s innings.

Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry anchor Australia’s innings

After opting to bat, Australia got off to a steady start with Alyssa Healy (26 off 20) providing early momentum. However, it was Beth Mooney (40 off 32) and Ellyse Perry (30 off 24) who played pivotal roles in setting a challenging total. Mooney held the innings together with well-timed boundaries, while Perry’s contribution in the middle overs helped maintain a brisk run rate. Despite a mid-innings collapse triggered by Amelia Kerr’s 4-wicket haul, Australia managed to post 148/8 in their 20 overs. Phoebe Litchfield (18 off 18) chipped in with crucial runs, but Kerr’s outstanding spell, which included the wickets of Perry, Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham, ensured that Australia didn’t breach the 150-run mark.

Also WATCH: Amelia Kerr removes Ellyse Perry, Grace Harris off consecutive balls in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Megan Schutt’s magic dismantles New Zealand

New Zealand’s chase never got going as they struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Schutt was the standout bowler, producing a masterclass in swing bowling. Her early dismissal of Georgia Plimmer (4 off 7) set the tone, and she continued to wreak havoc, dismissing Kerr and Eden Carson. Molineux also played a key role, removing experienced campaigners Suzie Bates (20 off 27) and Sophie Devine (7 off 15) to dent New Zealand’s chances further. The wickets kept tumbling, with Sutherland picking up 3 wickets for 21 runs, including the crucial scalps of Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze. The Kiwis collapsed to 88 all out, failing to build any meaningful partnerships.

Exceptional bowling performance from Australia 🙌🏏#women #cricket #AUSvNZ #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/POMF4PeQDW

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 8, 2024

Back-to-back POTM honours for this bona fide GUN! 🙌#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9uC1fFklTF

— Australian Women’s Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) October 8, 2024

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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