How Did Mooney's Century and Strong Bowling Drive Australia to Victory Against Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Beth Mooney scored a remarkable century, anchoring Australia's innings.
- The partnership between Mooney and Alana King set a new record for the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Women’s ODIs.
- Australia's bowlers effectively dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup.
- This victory solidifies Australia’s top position in the points table.
- Pakistan’s missed opportunities proved costly in their chase.
Colombo, Oct 8 (NationPress) Beth Mooney delivered a stellar century while Australia's formidable pace attack showcased their prowess, leading the defending champions to a convincing 107-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday.
This significant win not only maintained Australia’s unbeaten streak at 17-0 but also propelled them to the top of the points table, boasting two wins and one no result from three matches.
Facing a dire situation at 76/7, Mooney executed one of the most remarkable rescue performances in Women’s World Cup history, crafting a composed 109 off 114 balls to stabilize Australia’s innings. She found a remarkable partner in Alana King, whose unbeaten 51 off 49 balls pushed Australia to 221/9, a target that seemed unattainable when Pakistan's spinners were in control.
The Mooney-King duo formed a record-breaking partnership, amassing 106 runs for the ninth wicket, setting a new benchmark for the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Women’s ODIs. King also achieved the highest individual score by a batter at number 10 or below in Women’s ODIs.
Mooney’s innings marked her first century in a World Cup match, ensuring Australia registered their third-lowest innings total in a Women’s ODI World Cup featuring a centurion — 221/9 (with previous totals of 211/3 vs New Zealand in 1988 and 215/4 vs India in 2005).
Pakistan’s bowlers initially excelled, particularly their spin trio of Nashra Sandhu (3/37), Rameen Shamim (2/29), and Sadia Iqbal (1/32), who exploited the conditions effectively. However, missed opportunities to conclude the innings proved costly.
In pursuit of 222, Pakistan’s top order faltered under the early pressure from Kim Garth (3-14) and Megan Schutt (2-25), leaving them at 6/42 during the powerplay, which effectively decided the match.
Only Sidra Ameen (35) put up any resistance, while Rameen Shamim’s 15 was the sole double-digit score from the lower order. The middle and lower order fell to the bowling of Annabel Sutherland (2/15), Ashleigh Gardner (1-17), Georgia Wareham (1-15), and Alana King (1-19) as Pakistan crumbled to 114 all out in 36.3 overs.
The late partnership between Shamim and Sandhu only served to delay the inevitable, showcasing Australia’s depth and discipline once again.
Brief scores:
Australia: 221/9 in 50 overs (Beth Mooney 109, Alana King 51; Nashra Sandhu 3-37, Rameen Shamim 2-29) defeated Pakistan: 114 all out in 36.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 35, Rameen Shamim 15; Kim Garth 3-14, Annabel Sutherland 2-15) by 107 runs.