SHARJAH, UAE: Megan Schutt took three wickets for just three runs off 20 deliveries as Australia secured a rampant 60-run win over New Zealand in their Group A clash at the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Schutt’s return was the most economical three-wicket spell in tournament history, surpassing England’s Danielle Hazell’s 3-4 against Bangladesh in 2014.
This was after Australia scored the tournament’s second-highest total — 148-8 in 20 overs — thanks to Beth Mooney’s 40 off 32 balls.
In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 88 runs in 19.2 overs with medium pace pairing Schutt and Annabel Sutherland sharing six wickets.
Sutherland took 3-21 in four overs, as Australia moved to the top of Group A with two wins in as many games.
Australia opted to bat after winning the toss as Mooney put on 41 runs with Alyssa Healy, who scored 26 runs.
Mooney added another 45 off 48 balls with Ellyze Perry, who scored 30 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and a six.
Perry’s knock provided momentum for Australia, despite Mooney being caught by all-rounder Amelia Kerr.
Kerr finished with 4-26 in four overs, picking up a couple late wickets, but couldn’t prevent Australia from putting up a challenging total.
Chasing 149, New Zealand lost Georgia Plimmer early — bowled off Schutt for four.
Kerr contributed 29 off 31 balls, hitting three fours, and put on 47 runs for the second wicket. It raised visions of a Kiwi fightback, before left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux made a double breakthrough.
Molineux broke the partnership in the 11th over and New Zealand crashed to defeat within 42 deliveries, losing nine wickets for 27 runs.
Only Lea Tahuhu (11) managed to reach double figures thereafter, as Australia registered their 13th consecutive win in Women’s T20 World Cups.
It was also New Zealand’s third-highest margin of defeat in women’s T20s.
