Colombo, Oct 8 (NationPress) Alyssa Healy praised Beth Mooney's match-altering century as “one of the best innings” she has ever witnessed, following Australia Women's impressive 107-run victory against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.

This commanding victory maintained Australia’s unbeaten streak, elevating their record to 17-0 and securing their position at the top of the points table with two wins and one no result from three matches.

“We secured two points. We move forward; I truly believe that is one of the finest innings I have seen Moons play throughout my career,” Healy remarked post-match. “Thanks to her, we were able to get on the scoreboard. At one point, we aimed for 150–160 and thought about defending that total, so reaching over 200 was a phenomenal effort.”

Australia found themselves struggling at 76/7 after Pakistan’s spinners dominated, but Mooney (109 off 114) alongside Alana King (51 not out off 49) executed a stunning recovery, forming a remarkable partnership that added 106 runs for the ninth wicket—the highest ninth-wicket stand in Women’s ODIs. Their collaboration lifted Australia to 221/9 from a precarious position.

Healy commented on the condition of the pitch, noting how it had shifted drastically since their last match. “It changed significantly from the last game against Sri Lanka. It became quite dry. We didn’t adjust well and kept getting out in similar ways. We will learn from this. We face India next, so we need to refocus and prepare ourselves for that challenge.”

Australia’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan’s chase, with Kim Garth (3/14) and Megan Schutt (2-25) decimating the top order, leaving them at 42/6 during the powerplay. Annabel Sutherland (2-15), Ashleigh Gardner (1-17), Georgia Wareham (1-15), and King (1-19) completed the destruction as Pakistan collapsed for 114.

Healy commended the team’s collective effort: “It’s a testament to our depth—everyone contributes to the team. We are forming partnerships, though a bit lower down the order. Our top order must capitalize on big scores. There are many positives to take from our two games so far. We won’t linger on the mistakes made tonight.”

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana conceded her team let the match slip after a strong start. “We dominated the first 20 overs; after that, Mooney excelled, and our energy diminished. We need to enhance that. If you’re on top, you must stay there until the last ball. Our field energy must improve.”

Explaining her decision at the toss, she stated: “We opted to bowl first due to the pitch conditions. We know we have the best spinners and wanted to utilize our strengths. We need more partnerships in the middle, and we will discuss this as a team.”