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Tempo star Megan Schutt equalled a file earlier than opener Beth Mooney produced a steadying knock as Australia opened their T20 World Cup title defence with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
Schutt snared 3-12 off 4 overs to limit Sri Lanka to 7-93 on the Sharjah Cricket Stadium within the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
In reply, Australia slumped to 2-14 after which 3-35 as Alyssa Healy (4), Georgia Wareham (3) and Ellyse Perry (17) all departed.
Mooney helped settle the ship with an unbeaten 43 off 38 balls, guiding Australia to victory with 34 balls to spare.
After successful the toss and electing to bat at Sharjah on Saturday, Sri Lanka slumped to 2-6 within the fourth over and by no means recovered as Australia’s star-studded assault turned the screws.
Spinner Sophie Molineux completed with 2-20 from her 4 overs, but it surely was Schutt who proved the trickiest to deal with.
Schutt snared the scalp of opener Vishmi Gunaratne for a duck within the third over to kick-start Australia’s dominant show.
The 31-year-old claimed one other two wickets within the remaining over, lifting her total wicket tally in T20 world cups to 43.
That equals the mark set by South African Shabnim Ismail, who retired from worldwide cricket final yr.
Nilakshi de Silva top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 29 off 40 balls, whereas Harshitha Samarawickrama (23 off 35 balls) and Anushka Sanjeewani (16) had been the one different batters to make it into double figures.
Australia opted in opposition to enjoying a fourth spinner, as an alternative choosing quick bowler Darcie Brown.
The 21-year-old endured a tricky outing, bowling three no-balls and a large in her first and solely over.
That meant that after only one authorized supply, Brown had figures of 0-10.
Brown completed with 0-12, and in addition dropped a easy catch within the area.
Georgia Wareham (1-21), Molineux and Ashleigh Gardner (1-14) had been picked as Australia’s spinning trio, they usually all carried out effectively.
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Australia’s run chase began in poor vogue, with Healy clear bowled and Wareham run out by way of a superb direct hit from Kavisha Dilhari.
Mooney ensured the early lack of wickets would solely be a fleeting fear, producing a stable knock to assist get Australia out of hassle.
The 30-year-old was gifted a life on 22 when she was dropped within the deep, however other than that she appeared in full management.
Australia, who’re aiming for a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup crown, will probably be again in motion on Tuesday after they tackle New Zealand.
Sri Lanka, who at the moment are 0-2 after dropping to Pakistan and Australia, will probably be combating to remain alive after they tackle India on Wednesday.
AAP
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