AUS-W vs IRE-W Match Highlights:
Australia, Pakistan, and Ireland are playing the T20I tri-series and it is some quality cricket we witness every day. It was Game 2 where Australia easily defeated Ireland by nine wickets of the tri-series on Sunday thanks to a focused bowling effort and an unbeaten 45 from Beth Mooney.
At the Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland, Ireland was given the opportunity to bat first. The team could only produce 98/9 from their given overs as Alana King (3 for 9) and Darcie Brown (2 for 9) caused a stunning collapse. Brown’s double-wicket fourth over, which he bowled for two wickets, destroyed the Irish middle over. As the hosts fell to 16 for 3, the skipper Laura Delany and Orla Prendergast were both removed four balls apart.
Just after the powerplay, Alana King—the best bowler for the day—sprang into action and knocked out Rachel Delaney. The leading scorer, Rebecca Stokell, was also removed in less than five overs following a 33-ball 22 by the leggie. Ava Canning (14*) and Leah Paul (12) made crucial lower-order contributions that enabled Ireland to reach a respectable 98 from their allocated overs.
But it would never be enough to compete with the mighty Australians. The defending T20 champions easily crossed the finish line in 13 overs despite losing the fearsome Alyssa Healy early on. Meg Lanning (39 not out) and Mooney (45), who each scored four boundaries and a six, put on a 68-run partnership to lead Australia to their first victory in the series, by 9 wickets.
In Game 1, Australia had met Pakistan but the game was dampened by the damn rain. The game could only continue for the first 8 overs where Pakistan scored 56 runs. It is on July 19, Tuesday when Pakistan Women will meet Ireland Women for the third game of the series at Bready Cricket Club, Bready, Northern Ireland.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Alana King who picked 3 wickets for 9 runs in 4 overs.
