BRISBANE: Half-centuries from captain Meg Lanning and opener Phoebe Litchfield helped the Australian women’s cricket team comfortably beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at the Allan Border Field on Monday.
The hosts were chasing a revised target of 158 when the rain-affected match was reduced to 40 overs per side with 11 overs remaining.
Lanning and Litchfield put on 137 for the second wicket after the latter lost her partner Beth Mooney early and was cleaned out by Pakistani fast bowler Diana Baig, who was out of Ireland in November last year due to a shoulder injury. She was making a comeback after being out of the series. .
Pakistan could have made it difficult for Australia if Muniba Ali had bowled the fast bowler Fatima Sana, who was playing at six, out of the lane at point-off.
At that point, the Australian captain did not have to look back. The right-hander hit 9 fours for 67 runs off 76 balls and fell prey to Umaima Sohail’s spin.
On the other hand, Litchfield took Australia over the line with a 92-ball 78 with the help of 9 fours and a six.
Earlier, Pakistan were helped by a half-century from all-rounder Nida Dar, who arrived at the crease and the visitors were 3-38.
Nida opened Pakistan’s rescue with a 46-run partnership with skipper Bisma Maruf – who added 28 for 46 – before Alia Riaz (11) and Sudra Nawaz (14) took the team to a competitive total. delivered
In the process, Nada played 88 balls for his 59 and hit five fours and a six before being dismissed by Jessica Jonasson, who took two wickets – the same as Darcy Brown.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
Summary Score:
Pakistan 160-8 in 40 overs (Nida Dar 59, Bisma Maruf 28, Sudra Nawaz 14 not out; Darcy Brown 2-21, Jessica Jonasson 2-23); Australia 158-2 in 28.5 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 78 not out, Meg Lanning 67).
