The all-round strength of the Australian women’s T20 team has been praised after it began the defence of its World Cup title in emphatic fashion.
Key points:
- Australia defeated New Zealand by 97 runs
- Ashleigh Gardner was named player of the match courtesy of her five-wicket haul
- Alyssa Healy hit 55 from 38 deliveries in Australia’s innings
Australia hammered New Zealand by 97 runs in its opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Paarl, South Africa on Sunday morning AEDT.
After compiling an innings of 9-173 — highlighted by Alyssa Healy’s 55 from 38 deliveries — the defending champions bowled out the White Ferns for just 76 in 14 overs.
Player of the match, all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, was the pick of the Australian bowlers with the stunning figures of 5-12.
Former Australia international Kirsten Pike said Meg Lanning’s squad appeared to have no weaknesses.
“It’s a formidable batting line-up and then you get to the bowlers and you just can’t see a weak link in that bowling attack as well,” she told ABC Sport.
“They are formidable. I think … we haven’t seen them really tested, so that will probably be the next point when they do get tested and put under pressure.
“How do they respond? You think with their match experience they will respond quite well. Come semifinals, maybe that’s where we will see them tested, I think.”
Pike said Australia’s aggressive approach was also a key reason why they have been so dominant in the T20 arena.
“I think it’s the way they go about playing their game as well. They’re not afraid to take the game on,” she said.
Pike said it was pleasing to see Gardner’s bowling develop at the international level after her batting had attracted praise for much of her career.
“We are seeing her pick up wickets at regular intervals,” she said.
Lanning and Ellyse Perry also impressed with the bat against the White Ferns via their respective knocks of 41 (from 33 deliveries) and 40 (from 22 deliveries).
Australia next faces Bangladesh in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday morning AEDT, before finishing the group stage with matches against Sri Lanka (February 17) and South Africa (February 19).
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