Mooney Back Issue Dampens Australia’s Record Score Against Netherlands

Australia flexed their muscle to produce the joint-highest total in women’s T20 World Cup history as they breezed past Netherlands at Southampton, but the win was overshadowed by another injury concern with Beth Mooney suffering back stiffness during her match-winning innings.

Mooney retired hurt after making 74 from 42 in Australia’s 219 for 6, which equalled England’s tournament record set in the opening match of this edition and set up a 98-run win. Ashleigh Gardner made 58 from 32 on return from injury and Georgia Wareham thumped 41 from 18.

Mooney and Gardner Feast

The gulf in class was evident from the opening overs as Mooney and Voll hardly took a risk to race to 50 in 4.3 overs. Mooney farmed the strike and did little more than pick off loose balls without feeling any pressure to go aerial.

Mooney’s Back Stiffens, Wareham’s Allround Worth Shows Again

With just 26 needed for a century, Mooney’s back tightened while running on the last ball of the 14th over and she headed straight off the field for assessment. Two balls later Gardner picked out deep midwicket in the same manner Perry had done earlier to stall Australia’s momentum.

Garth Shines in the Gloom

Garth picked up right where she left off against Bangladesh with another new ball masterclass. A textbook outswinger found Molkenboer’s outside edge in the second over. A good length inducker trapped Heather Siegers plumb infront.

De Leede and Kalis Show Fight

As the required rate climbed towards 15, Kalis produced a stunning strike off King. The legspinner tossed her second ball up and Kalis launched her 80 metres over mid-off to indicate that, potentially with more exposure, Netherlands could match it with the world’s best.

Rahul Turner