Women's World Cup: Mooney's Century Heads Australia To 221

COLOMBO: Pakistan women's strong bowling performance left defending champions Australia women stunned before Beth Mooney's comeback century pushed them to a respectable score. 

Australia batted first and scored 221-9 in 50 overs in the ninth ICC Women's World Cup 2025 match on Wednesday at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield shared 30 runs for the opening wicket before being removed within three deliveries. Healy scored 20 runs from 23 balls, including three fours, and Litchfield scored 10 runs from 22 deliveries, including one boundary.

As a result, seven-time champions Australia were reduced to 30-2 in 7.3 overs.

Pakistan continued to chip through Australia’s middle order with wickets at regular intervals; however, Beth Mooney held firm and ensured that Australia posted something to defend.

Ellyse Perry was stumped for five runs, while Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner were both out for one. Tahlia McGrath could only contribute five runs to the total, while Georgia Wareham failed to score.

As a result, Australia was reduced to 76-7 after 21.2 overs.

Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim were responsible for Australia's middle-class downfall.  Both combined for five wickets in economical bowling periods.

Playing XIs

Australia XI: 

Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt

Pakistan XI: 

Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal