Megan Schutt shines as Australia cruise to 6-wicket win over Sri Lanka

In a match between the World Champions Australia and the Asian Champions Sri Lanka, Megan Schutt's impressive bowling figures of 3 for 12 set the stage for a clinical six-wicket victory for the Australians in Sharjah. Beth Mooney's unbeaten 43 ensured Australia comfortably chased down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 93, with 34 balls to spare. This defeat leaves Sri Lanka in a precarious position in the Group A standings, having lost both of their matches so far.

At the toss, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu voiced her concerns about her team’s batting unit, which sadly proved accurate as they managed just 93 runs in their 20 overs. Vishmi Gunaratne, the opener, struggled to score and was dismissed for a 10-ball duck by Megan Schutt's deadly inswinger. The early breakthrough set the tone for Australia’s dominant bowling performance.

Sri Lanka's hopes of posting a competitive total relied heavily on their captain, but for the second consecutive game, Athapaththu failed to make an impact, dismissed while attempting a sweep shot against Ash Gardner. The decision to review resulted in confirmation of her dismissal, further denting Sri Lanka’s chances. A brief surge from Harshitha Madavi and Nilakshi de Silva brought some stability, but they could not convert their starts into a meaningful total.

Madavi’s dismissal for 23 came after a mistimed shot straight back to Sophie Molineux. Nilakshi de Silva provided resistance, finishing unbeaten on 29, but her inability to find boundaries meant Sri Lanka never posed a significant threat. Anushka Sanjeewani managed to hit a couple of boundaries late on, but Sri Lanka still finished under 100 runs. Schutt’s brilliant final over, where she took two wickets, further capped off an excellent bowling display by Australia.

Chasing a modest target, Australia found themselves at 35 for 3, struggling against the searing heat of Sharjah. Captain Alyssa Healy was bowled by a sharp delivery from Udeshika Prabodhani, and Georgia Wareham was run out by a sharp fielding effort from Kavisha Dilhari. Although Ellyse Perry looked to steady the ship with a quick 12, she too fell to the disciplined bowling of Sugandika Kumari.

However, any fears of a collapse were quickly put to rest as Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner added a steady partnership of 43 runs, taking Australia closer to victory. Gardner fell for 12, but Mooney’s calm and composed 43 off 40 balls* guided her team to a comfortable win, ensuring Australia remained unbeaten in the tournament.

Sri Lanka will look back at the missed opportunities, particularly the dropped catch off Mooney that could have put Australia under more pressure. But Australia’s all-around strength once again proved too much for their opponents, with both bat and ball working in tandem.