| Pakistan loses again | Mangalam

Bay Oval: Pakistan suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan lost the first match to India by 107 runs and lost the second match to Australia by seven wickets. Batting first, Pakistan scored 160 runs for the loss of six wickets. In reply, the Australian women reached the target in 34.4 overs.

Australia captain Meg Lanning won the toss and elected to field. They bowled well to keep Pakistan at bay. Bisma Mahroof (78 off 122 balls with eight fours) and Alia Riyaz (53 off 109 balls with four fours) were the standout performers for Pakistan. Fatima Sana (14) and Omamia Sohail (12) were the other two to cross the line.

For Australia, Alana King took two wickets while Megan Shutt, Eliza Perry, Amanda Jade Wellington and Nicola Carrie took two wickets each. Alyssa Healy, Australia’s opener and wicketkeeper, put on 191 for the second wicket. Alyssa returned with 72 off 79 balls, including seven fours, to give Australia the lead. Meg Lanning (35 off 37 balls) and Rachel Haynes (34 off 34 balls) were the other notable contributors. Eliza Perry (26 off 33 balls) and Beth Mooney (23) were not out. For Pakistan, Omaima Sohail took two wickets and Nasra Sandhu one.

With the win, Australia topped the points table with four points from two matches. India is second. Pakistan, who lost both the matches, are in last place. Bangladesh also lost two matches. New Zealand beat Bangladesh in the second match. Due to inclement weather, the match was reduced to 27 overs. Batting first, the Bengals scored 140 for eight. In reply, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat with 42 balls to spare.