Australia crush Pakistan in Women’s T20 World Cup

DUBAI, UAE (AP):

Defending champions Australia crushed Pakistan by nine wickets to all but qualify for the Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals yesterday.

Reaching 83-1 after dismissing Pakistan for 82 cost Australia, however, as fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder and skipper Alyssa Healy retired hurt with a suspected pulled calf muscle.

Australia’s 14th consecutive win – three at this tournament – kept them atop Group A with one more group game left on Sunday against India. India, New Zealand and Pakistan were vying for the other semifinal berth.

The Aussies opted to field and off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner took 4-21 after left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux got rid of stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali for seven. Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham took a brace each.

Vlaeminck didn’t bowl. She hurt her shoulder in the first over while trying to stop a boundary. Her shoulder was put back in but her future in the tournament was in doubt.

Only four Pakistan batters reached double digits; Aliya Riaz top-scored with 26. They were all out in 19.5 overs.

Gardner’s burst in the 19th over – she grabbed three wickets in five balls – prevented Pakistan from making a late dash to 100.

In reply, Australia’s batters finished off things in a hurry. Healy led the way with 37 off 23 balls, including five fours, before retiring.

Healy charged through the power play, putting on 36 for the first wicket with Beth Mooney, who scored 15.

Healy also added 33 off 30 balls with Ellyse Perry, who was 22 not out off 23 balls, including two fours.

Australia raced across the finish line with nine overs to spare.