NEW DELHI: The Women’s T20 World Cup semifinals race intensified on Tuesday as Australia extended their winning streak with a crushing 113-run victory over Pakistan, while Sri Lanka and New Zealand registered crucial wins to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
Despite maintaining a perfect record with four victories from four matches, Australia are yet to officially seal a semifinal berth. South Africa and India remain capable of matching their tally, leaving qualification scenarios open heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.
The six time champions, who have reached the semifinals in every edition of the tournament, will face India in a highly anticipated clash at a sold-out Lord’s on Sunday.
At Headingley, Australia recovered from the loss of opener Beth Mooney on the first ball to post an imposing 199/7. Ellyse Perry anchored the innings with a fluent 71 off 48 deliveries, sharing a rapid 100-run stand with Georgia Voll, who contributed 39.
Late cameos from Annabel Sutherland and Nicola Carey ensured Australia finished with a formidable total.
Pakistan’s reply never gained momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Three run-outs compounded their troubles, and they were dismissed for 86 in the 14th over. Muneeba Ali top scored with 32, while Australia’s bowlers shared the spoils. Perry, Sophie Molineux and Sutherland claimed two wickets each, while Georgia Wareham maintained pressure with a disciplined spell.
“We’ve got options and depth across the squad,” Molineux said after the match. “There are still areas we want to improve, but we’re pleased with where we are.”
Meanwhile in Bristol, Sri Lanka revived their campaign thanks to a stunning century from captain Chamari Athapaththu. The veteran opener blasted an unbeaten 106 against Ireland, guiding her side to a commanding nine-wicket victory.
Athapaththu reached her half-century in 32 balls before accelerating to become only the eighth batter to score a hundred in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Her knock featured a relentless boundary-hitting display and came just days after she openly criticised her own leadership following Sri Lanka’s defeat to the West Indies.
“I was disappointed after the last match, but today’s win is what matters,” Athapaththu said. “I backed my natural game and it paid off.”
Ireland recovered from an early collapse through skipper Gaby Lewis, who struck 59, but their total proved insufficient against a determined Sri Lankan side.
New Zealand also strengthened their qualification hopes with a six-wicket win over Scotland. Chasing 132, the White Ferns slipped to 26/3 before Izzy Sharp and Brooke Halliday steadied the innings with a decisive 101-run partnership.
Sharp produced a career-best 62 from 43 balls, while Halliday remained unbeaten on 41 as New Zealand reached the target with 10 balls to spare.
Earlier, Scotland were lifted by Darcey Carter’s unbeaten 72, but New Zealand fought back in the closing stages. Sophie Devine claimed two wickets in a key over, while captain Melie Kerr starred with 3/17, including a double-wicket maiden late in the innings.
Following the victory, Kerr hailed Sharp’s potential, describing her as a future star capable of becoming one of New Zealand’s finest players.
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s blockbuster encounter between unbeaten England and an undefeated West Indies side, with another significant step toward the semifinals at stake.