Women’s ODI World Cup: Australia Post 221/9, Mooney Slams Ton in Rescue Act

The ninth match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup is being played between the Pakistani and Australian women's cricket teams in Colombo at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. Australia set Pakistan a target of 222 runs to win.

Australia's captain, Alyssa Healy, and Phoebe Litchfield opened the batting. Neither team could provide a solid start. The regular fall of wickets added to the woes. The poor batting performance of the Australian team can be gauged from the fact that seven of their players were dismissed in 21.2 overs.

Fortunately for Australia, Beth Mooney not only held one end and provided stability, but also, along with Kim Garth, took the team's score past 100. Kim Garth was stumped in the 33.5th over with the team score at 115. Garth faced 47 balls and was dismissed for 11 runs.

After Garth's dismissal, Alana King supported Beth Mooney admirably. The two shared a 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket, which came in 96 balls. Beth Mooney scored a brilliant century, while Alana King also scored a half-century. The two took the team to 221 for nine in their 50 overs. Beth Mooney was dismissed for 109. During her century, she faced 114 balls and hit 11 fours. Alana King remained unbeaten on 51 runs off 49 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.

Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, taking three wickets for 37 runs in 10 overs. Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana took two wickets each, while Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal took one wicket each.