In an exciting encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Australia Women comfortably defeated Sri Lanka Women by 6 wickets in Match 5 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The match was characterized by an impressive bowling display from the Australian bowlers, particularly Megan Schutt, who was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.

Megan Schutt shines with the ball

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka struggled to find their rhythm against a relentless Australian bowling attack. They could only manage a total of 93 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama top-scored with 23 runs off 35 balls, while Nilakshi de Silva contributed a steady 29 runs off 40 balls. Unfortunately, the Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered, with many players failing to reach double figures, including their skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, who could only muster 3 runs.

Schutt was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs in her 4 overs. Sophie Molineux also made significant contributions, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs. Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham chipped in with one wicket each, as the Sri Lankan innings fell short of a competitive total.

Australia completes an easy chase

Chasing a modest target of 94 runs, Australia began their innings with a steady approach. Beth Mooney played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory, scoring 43 runs off 38 balls, which included 4 boundaries. Despite losing early wickets, with Alyssa Healy and Georgia Wareham departing for 4 and 3 runs respectively, Australia maintained control throughout their innings.

Ellyse Perry and Gardner provided valuable contributions, scoring 17 and 12 runs, respectively, as Australia reached their target in just 14.2 overs, finishing at 94 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Udeshika Prabodhani was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming 1 wicket for 19 runs, while Sugandika Kumari and Inoka Ranaweera also took one wicket each.

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Here is how fans reacted:

https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1842554439879528870

Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets 👊🏏#women #cricket #AUSvSL #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/Xq03lorvBN

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 5, 2024

Defending champions Australia kick off their Women’s

#T20WorldCup 2024 campaign with a victory over Sri Lanka.

#AUSvSL #WhateverItTakes 🏏🏆 pic.twitter.com/kFUbwoqSXs

— Rajan Paswan🇳🇵 (@RajanPaswa26) October 5, 2024

This is one of the least boundaries in a match involving Australia in WT20WC.

8 – Australia vs New Zealand, Barbados, 2010
14 – Australia vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 2024
17 – Australia vs Pakistan, Galle, 2012
17 – Australia vs West Indies, Colombo (RPS), 2012#AUSvSL

— Cricket ki pathshala (@ghosi_saif) October 5, 2024

Mitchell Starc in Sharjah supporting his wife‼️ 🌟#T20WorldCup2024 #AUSvSL #T20WorldCup #IraniCup pic.twitter.com/u0sSlgCTXX

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) October 5, 2024

#AUSvSL AUS WON 💛💛💛💛 pic.twitter.com/cZLl8InWw6

— Vamshi Stambamkadi (@Film_Director_) October 5, 2024

Australia women swept away Sri Lanka women with such ease, started another tournament with a bang!
Cheat Code team!!#T20WomensWorldCup2024 #T20WomensWorldCup #AUSvSL #CricketTwitter

— Palash Pansey (@PALASHPANSEY) October 5, 2024

80+ players have scored more than 1000 runs in Women’s T20Is. Beth Mooney is the only one among them with a batting average of 40+ (40.3)!

📷 getty/icc#T20WorldCup | #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/y90sKvvF7S

— Saim | صائم (@saimali_2001) October 5, 2024

Australia defeated Sri Lanka with 6 wickets and 34 balls left

Beth Mooney again 43(38)* 🔥
Megan Schutt 4-12-3

— CricShyr (@cricshyr) October 5, 2024

A legendary spell by Megan Schutt restricts Sri Lanka below 😳👏🏻🔥

Really very talented 💯💪🏻

WONDERFUL EVENING FRIENDS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/II9tNCIvyP

— தளபதி ரிஷி (@ThalapathiRISHI) October 5, 2024

#AUSvSL

Australia women won by six wickets.

— Tanveer Hussain (@TANVIR_HS) October 5, 2024

Also WATCH: Lea Tahuhu’s special celebration after dismissing Richa Ghosh in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

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

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