Australia started the defence of their T20 World Cup title with a cushty six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Sharjah.
The six-time champions suffered a slight wobble, falling to 35-3 in pursuit of simply 94, however opener Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 43 led them over the road with 34 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka had been completely outplayed in a pitiful batting effort and crawled to 93-7 from their 20 overs as Australia began in predictably ruthless trend.
And whereas Sri Lanka fought bravely with the three early wickets on a gradual pitch providing some uneven bounce, they finally paid the value for such a paltry complete as Australia’s energy in depth as soon as once more prevailed.
The sluggish pitch didn’t enable for Australia’s standard free-flowing type, as captain Alyssa Healy fell for 4, Georgia Wareham was clumsily run out for 3 and star all-rounder Ellyse Perry was bowled for 17.
But Mooney, who was dropped on 22, held her nerve regardless of struggling within the brutal warmth.
There have been additionally some uncharacteristic errors within the discipline, with 5 front-foot no-balls bowled and Darcie Brown dropping a easy catch, however Healy’s facet recovered brilliantly with a relentless show to stifle Sri Lanka.
Nilakshi de Silva and Harshitha Samarawickrama made 29 and 23 respectively however their efforts got here from 35 and 40 balls, as captain Chamari Athapaththu’s early departure as soon as once more proved expensive.
Sri Lanka at the moment are dealing with a disappointing group-stage exit having misplaced their two opening matches, needing an enormous win in opposition to India on Wednesday and for different outcomes to go their approach.
Australia face New Zealand on Monday, a tantalising prospect after the White Ferns’ emphatic win over India of their opener.
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