Australia outplay Pakistan in women’s ODI series

 

SYDNEY: Opener Beth Mooney scored a brilliant century as Australia outplayed Pakistan by 101 runs in the third women’s One-Day International at the North Sydney Oval to complete a whitewash of the three-match series.

Asked to bat first, Australia scored 336-9 in 50 overs.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mooney top-scored for the home side with 133 off 105 balls. She hit 14 fours and four sixes.

Skipper Meg Lanning played a useful innings of 72 off 70 deliveries — her second half-century of the series. Her knock included eight fours and a six.

Fatima Sana was the most successful Pakistan bowler with figures of 3-53 while Nida Dar and Diana Baig bagged two wickets each.

In reply, Pakistan showed a much-improved performance with the bat as they managed to play their full quota of 50 overs, scoring 235-7 — their joint highest total against Australia.

Pakistan openers gave a solid 61-run start to the innings with Sadaf Shamas playing her first match of the series. She scored 30 off 50 balls, laced with six fours. Her partner and experienced Sidra Amin made 34 from 66 balls, hitting three boundaries. Captain Bismah Maroof contributed 44.

For Australia, Ashleigh Gardner claimed three wickets for 30 runs while Jess Johanssen took two for 25 runs.

Tuba Hassan made her ODI debut, becoming the 88^th player to play for Pakistan in this format.

Pakistan and Australia will now feature in the T20I series with the first game on January 24 at North Sydney Oval.

Scores in brief: Australia beat Pakistan by 101 runs.

Australia 336-9, 50 overs (Beth Mooney 133, Meg Lanning 72, Tahlia McGrath 30; Fatima Sana 3-53, Nida Dar 2-50, Diana Baig 2-56). Pakistan 235-7, 50 overs (Bismah Maroof 44, Sidra Amin 34, Sadaf Shamas 30; Ashleigh Gardner 3-30, Jess Johanssen 2-25).

Player of the match: Beth Mooney

Player of the series: Beth Mooney