How Did Mooney and King Lead Australia to 221/9 Against Pakistan in the Women's World Cup?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling comeback during the ICC Women’s World Cup, Beth Mooney and Alana King’s record-setting partnership lifted Australia from a precarious position against Pakistan. Their remarkable efforts secured a total of 221 runs, showcasing resilience and determination. This match will be remembered for its dramatic twists and exceptional performances.
Key Takeaways
- Beth Mooney scored a vital century, anchoring Australia's innings.
- The partnership with Alana King was crucial for a comeback.
- Australia reached 221/9 despite being at 76/7.
- Nashra Sandhu was the top bowler for Pakistan.
- Australia's innings was their third-lowest with a centurion in a Women's ODI World Cup.
Colombo, Oct 8 (NationPress) Beth Mooney delivered a resilient century, and in collaboration with Alana King, they formed a record-breaking partnership that salvaged Australia from near defeat, propelling them to a total of 221/9 in 50 overs against Pakistan during their ICC Women’s World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
The defending champions faced a dire situation at 76/7 as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the top order. However, Mooney and King’s partnership became one of the remarkable comebacks in World Cup history, with their astonishing 106-run stand for the ninth wicket, marking the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Women’s ODIs, allowing Australia to reach a competitive score.
Mooney anchored the innings with a composed 109 runs off 114 balls, achieving her first century in World Cup play and her second-highest ODI score against Pakistan. King supported her perfectly, remaining unbeaten with 51 runs off 49 balls, setting the record for the highest score by a batter at number 10 or below in Women’s ODIs.
The duo's efforts also enabled Australia to register their third-lowest innings total in a Women's ODI World Cup where a centurion was present: 221/9 (after 211/3 vs New Zealand in 1988 and 215/4 vs India in 2005).
Earlier, Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana opted to bowl first, a decision that initially paid off. Opening pair Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield managed 30 runs before Healy was dismissed on the final ball of the 7th over. Litchfield followed her shortly after as the middle order collapsed under pressure.
Mooney and Ellyse Perry briefly steadied the ship with a 25-run partnership until Nashra Sandhu’s crafty spin stumped Perry for just 5 runs. Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner, the centurion from the previous match, were both dismissed for a mere run each. Tahlila McGrath scored 5, while Georgia Wareham fell without scoring.
Calm in the storm, Mooney found fleeting support from Kim Garth, contributing 38 runs for the eighth wicket before her monumental partnership with King turned the tide for Australia. Mooney was dismissed off the final ball of the innings, but her century had already shifted the momentum.
Nashra Sandhu led the bowling attack with figures of 3-37, while Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana claimed two wickets each. Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal also contributed with one wicket each.
Brief scores:
Australia: 221/9 in 50 overs (Beth Mooney 108, Alana King 51 not out; Nashra Sandhu 3-37, Rameen Shamim 2-29) against Pakistan
Point of View
It's evident that Australia’s performance, particularly from Mooney and King, illustrates the unpredictability of cricket. Their ability to recover from a dire situation reflects not just skill but mental fortitude, a trait that defines champions. This match serves as a reminder of the excitement and challenges inherent in the sport.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the star performer for Australia in the match?
Beth Mooney was the standout performer, scoring 109 runs and forming a record-breaking partnership with Alana King.
What was the significance of the partnership between Mooney and King?
Their partnership of 106 runs for the ninth wicket is the highest in Women’s ODIs, showcasing their resilience in a challenging situation.
How did Australia's innings conclude?
Australia finished their innings at 221/9, marking their third-lowest total in a Women’s ODI World Cup with a centurion.
What was Pakistan's bowling performance like?
Nashra Sandhu led the bowling attack for Pakistan with figures of 3-37, effectively dismantling the Australian top order.
What records did this match set?
The match featured the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Women’s ODIs and marked Mooney's first World Cup century.
