Australia survive Pakistan scare as Mooney and King forge record ninth-wicket stand
In a dramatic turn at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, defending champions Australia escaped a potential World Cup disaster thanks to a masterclass from Beth Mooney and an unlikely alliance with spinner Alana King. Pakistan, winning the toss and choosing to bowl on a slow, turning pitch, shook off an early batting rhythm to reduce Australia to 7-76. The early collapse triggered fears of a historic upset, with Pakistan’s spinners Rameen Shamim (2-29) and Nashra Sandhu (3-37) tearing through the Australians’ middle order in a chaotic 7-46 stretch.
Mooney and King revive the innings with a historic partnership
Amid the turmoil, Mooney found a partner in the unlikeliest of places: Alana King. The duo combined for a record 106-run ninth-wicket stand in women’s ODI history, lifting Australia to a more competitive 9-221. King finished undefeated on 51 off 31 balls, including three sixes—the highest score by a No. 10 or lower in women’s ODIs—while Mooney contributed 109 (114) and anchored the rescue operation with measured, late-innings concentration. “I’m pretty exhausted after that innings,” Mooney said, acknowledging the demanding chase back from the brink. ”
Mooney’s innings unfolded largely on the back foot, with a steady stream of singles and boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking and frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers. The decisive 53 runs came from the last four overs, a surge that sealed the momentum for Australia as King punished Fatima Sana with back-to-back sixes to cap a breathtaking finish.
What Mooney’s effort meant for Australia
Mooney’s 109 was her fifth ODI century, and it underlined her ability to anchor innings even when the rest of the order falters. Captain Alyssa Healy lauded Mooney’s stunning knock, saying, “That’s one of the best innings I’ve seen Mooney play. Thanks to her, we got ourselves on the board.” Australia would have settled for far less than 221, but Mooney’s grit and King’s late surge reshaped the match’s narrative and provided a platform to defend a total that looked distant in the early overs.
Australia’s bowlers seal a commanding finish
In reply, Pakistan’s chase never got going against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. The hosts were rolled for 114 in 36.3 overs as Australian seamers dominated. Kim Garth claimed 3-14, with Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland taking two wickets each, mirroring Australia’s reputation for pressure bowling and tight fielding. Sidra Amin’s 35 was the highest effort for Pakistan, yet no other batsman could provide the rearguard needed to threaten Australia’s huge deficit.
Context and implications for the tournament
Pakistan’s defeat extends a long winless streak against Australia in women’s ODIs (17 consecutive losses dating back to 1997), reinforcing Australia’s status as the team to beat in the World Cup calendar. After a recent wobble in a rain-affected game against Sri Lanka, where Ash Gardner’s 115 helped Australia post 326, the championship confidence remains intact as they return to form and continue their campaign at full tilt. Fatima Sana Khan acknowledged Pakistan’s early spark but noted the energy drop that allowed Mooney’s counterpunch to shape the match’s outcome.
Looking ahead
With three wins and a rain-affected result already on the ledger, Australia top the standings and prepare to face India in their next fixture in Visakhapatnam. The Mooney-King partnership will be remembered as a pivotal moment in defending a title, showcasing the depth and resilience of Australia’s lineup and reinforcing the belief that in cricket’s most demanding matches, late-innings partnerships can redefine outcomes.
