The Australian hutch looked gloomy with defeat written all over their faces when Pakistan picked up wicket number 7 with the visitors on 76 due to a brain drain in technique in using their feat against spin as the top order faulted in playing on the front foot, that too against the spin.
Pakistan must be congratulated for excellent bowling and catching, but it must be stated that they were amateurish when Beth Mooney and Alina King used the old theory, namely, the best form of defence is attack and it worked.
Beth was a super star under the pump with wickets falling around like nine pins. She used the crease and played off the back foot with super support from Alina King who made a first ODI 50 in 49 balls to stitch a record 9th wicket partnership of 106 runs which is now a world record.
Beth made a match, winning 109 runs in 114 balls and Alina King 51 off 49 balls, that spoilt the day for Pakistan.
Pakistan looked so good up to the 22nd over, but lack of consistency and panic had its toll on them.
Rameena Shamin looked impressive with her left arm orthodox spin, but Skipper Fatima Sana was cartered in her final over for over 20 runs. Hence, her impressive bowling figures took a tumble to 2 wickets for 48.
Diana Baigh had a bad day in the park. She conceeded 74 runs in her 10 overs. It was a carnage by both Beth and King who simply played with freedom and authority in the final 3 overs. Sadly, Diana became the victim.
Frankly, 222, given Pakistan’s batting structure in recent outings, looked challenging with most of the batters barring Sidara Ameen not among the runs .
It was a walk in the park for the Australian Women. They won by 107 runs as Pakistan simply could not handle the Australian pace and spin.
Sidra Ameen made 35, and the rest struggled against Kim Gareth, the seamer who scalped 3 for 14 , Anabel Sutherland 2 for 15, and Megan Schultcs 2 for 25. The triple seam attack accounted for 7 wickets whilst Ash Gardner, Alina King and Georgia Warraham the Aussie triple spin attack, the balance 3 scalps.
Today, mighty Indians play South Africa and it will be interesting if Amonjika Kapur will be in pursuit today.