Women's T20 WC: Australian women beat Pakistan by 25 runs

Australian women beat Pakistan by 25 runs by the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain stopped play in their second ICC Women’s World Twenty20 league match on Saturday.

Captain Jodie Fields won the toss and elected to bat in initially sunny conditions at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

Australian openers Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning got the side off to a solid start combining for an opening wicket stand of 53. Healy was dropped twice by Pakistan in the second over and went on to make 36, including one six, before she was bowled by Sadia Yousuf.

Lanning contributed 16 runs to the total before she was run out by Bismah Maroof.

Jess Cameron and Lisa Sthalekar combined for a crucial third wicket stand of 67. Cameron, who was named Player of the Match, continued with her excellent form from the opening match against India, hitting an impressive 42 of 28 balls until she was caught at long on of the bowling of Asmavia Iqbal. Sthalekar looked comfortable at the crease adding 29 before she was stumped by Batool Fatima.

Australia ended their innings with a competitive 146 for Pakistan to chase.

Ellyse Perry struck in the first over for Australia dismissing Pakistan Captain Sana Mir, caught behind by Fields.

Julie Hunter claimed a wicket with the first ball of her second over sending Qanita Jalil back to the dug-out, caught superbly by Cameron in the slips.

Perry struck again dismissing Nihada Khan just before the clouds opened up and rain delayed play in the ninth over with Pakistan 38/3.

Unfortunately the teams were unable to return to the ground following heavy rain and the Aussies secured the victory by the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Fields said was pleased with the team’s performance, especially the batting.

“Even though we started out a little slower than we probably wanted, it was great to see Jess Cameron come out and play her natural game.

“We wanted to win the toss and bat today so that was always in the plan. It was good to get a few of our middle order batters through as well,” she said.

“We will approach our next match against England as we have with these first two matches. We will go away and train hard in the nets tomorrow and do our planning on the England players, but ultimately we will be focussing on what we do well,” Fields added.