In a commanding display during the 14th match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Australia‘s off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner delivered a match-winning performance, leading her team to a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Gardner’s impressive four-wicket haul played a crucial role in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total of just 82 runs. Her efforts earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award in what turned out to be a low-scoring affair.
Ashleigh Gardner’s game-changing spell
Gardner’s spell was a masterclass in precision and control, as she claimed four wickets for 21 runs in her allotted four overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 5.20. She consistently troubled Pakistan’s batters, delivering three wickets in a single over and sealing the collapse of the opposition.
In the 16.1 over, she struck first, dismissing Iram Javed. Attempting a slog sweep to gain momentum, Javed misjudged the delivery and ended up giving a simple catch to fielder Georgia Wareham, departing for 12 runs off 25 balls.
Gardner continued her assault, claiming her second wicket in the 18.2 over when Tuba Hassan attempted an ambitious advance down the wicket. However, she was left stranded as wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy swiftly dislodged the bails, leaving Hassan with a mere 3 runs off 6 balls.
The pressure mounted on the Pakistani side as Gardner took her third wicket just three balls later. Syeda Aroob Shah‘s flick towards mid-on was caught effortlessly by Beth Mooney.
The final blow from Gardner came in the 19th over when Nashra Sandhu fell victim to a lbw decision after failing to connect with a tossed-up delivery.
Here is the video:
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Australia’s smooth chase to victory
Pakistan’s innings never really took off, with none of their batters managing to cross the 30-run mark. They struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, and eventually, the team was bowled out for a paltry 82 runs in 19.5 overs.
In response, Australia made light work of the chase, reaching the target of 83 runs with ease in just 11 overs. Despite losing opener Mooney early, the Australian side remained unfazed, thanks to skipper Healy’s aggressive knock of 37 runs off 23 balls, which included five fours. Healy’s dynamic start gave Australia the perfect foundation to secure a quick victory, although she was retired hurt before completing her innings. Nevertheless, Healy’s leadership and batting ensured Australia’s comfortable victory.
With contributions from other batters, Australia cruised to the finish line, winning the match by nine wickets. The comprehensive win further cemented Australia’s dominance in the tournament, with Gardner’s bowling brilliance and Healy’s captaincy at the forefront of their success.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.