Defending champions Australia and fellow heavyweights England kicked off their campaigns at the Women’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah with impressive victories. Australia secured a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, while England triumphed over Bangladesh by 21 runs, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Australia defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets.
- England won against Bangladesh by 21 runs.
- Megan Schutt equaled the record for most wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
- England’s spinners played a crucial role in their victory.
Australia’s Strong Start
Australia began their title defense with a commanding performance against Sri Lanka. The Australian bowlers, led by Megan Schutt, restricted Sri Lanka to a mere 93 runs. Schutt’s remarkable figures of 3 wickets for just 12 runs not only helped her team but also saw her equal the record for the highest wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup history, matching South African bowler Shabnim Ismail with 43 wickets.
The Australian batters chased down the target with 34 balls to spare, despite losing four wickets. Opener Beth Mooney, who was named player of the tournament in the previous edition, scored an unbeaten 43 runs, demonstrating her skill and resilience in the sweltering conditions.
"In the heat, it was tough," Schutt remarked. "I think ‘Moons’ lost about 16 kilos out there. We’ve played in hot conditions before, and we just have to suck it up and get on with it."
Sri Lanka’s Struggles
Sri Lanka faced their second consecutive loss in the tournament, continuing their search for a victory against Australia in women’s T20 matches. Captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her disappointment, stating, "We are struggling on these tracks with low turn and bounce. Our first four batters struggled, and that cost us."
The team is looking to bounce back in their next match against India, hoping for improved performance.
England’s Tactical Victory
In the other match of the day, England showcased their strategic prowess by employing a spin-heavy attack against Bangladesh. The English bowlers, particularly Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean, each took two wickets, limiting Bangladesh to a total of 97 runs.
England had set a target of 118 runs, with opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge leading the charge with a solid 41 runs off 40 balls, earning her the player of the match title. Despite a valiant effort from Bangladesh’s Sobhana Mostary, who scored 44 runs, the team fell short of their target.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana expressed her disappointment, saying, "We missed a good opportunity to beat a good side. Our bowlers did a good job, but our batters disappointed."
Upcoming Matches
The tournament continues to heat up, with India set to clash against Pakistan in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Additionally, Scotland and West Indies, both seeking their first wins, will face off in Dubai.
As the Women’s T20 World Cup unfolds, fans can expect more exciting matches and standout performances from the participating teams.
