Favourites Australia whip Pakistan women by 91 runs in World Cup

Cuttack: Title contenders Australia started their ICC Women's World Cup campaign in a confident manner whipping minnows Pakistan by 91 runs in their group B league opener, here Friday.

Opting to bat first, Australian women could manage only 175 in 46.1 overs on a slow Barabati Stadium track but then bowled with a lot of purpose to skittle Pakistan out for a paltry 84 in 33.2 overs.

Veteran allrounder of Indian origin Lisa Sthalekar contributed an useful 32 and then bowled nine overs of controlled off-breaks to grab 2 for 19. Another notable performer was Sarah Coyte who took three wickets and scored 35 runs.

In pursuit of 176 in a Group B match, the Pakistani women were bundled out for just 84 runs in 33.2 overs.

Pakistan team had to shift base to Cuttack for their group league matches after protests from political parties against their participation in the marquee event.

Australian batswomen didn't have a good day as only opener Rachel Haynes (39) and Sarah Coyte (35) were the only other two, who crossed the 30-run mark barring Sthalekar.

The Australian total was propped up by the 17 wides bowled by the Pakistani women. Left-arm spinner Sadia Yousuf was the pick of the bowlers grabbing three for 30 while Asmavia Iqbal chipped in with two wickets.

The target wasn't a big one but save 21-year-old batter Bismah Maroof who contributed 43, only Nadia yousf reached double figures. There were absolutely no partnerships and the Pakistani women found it difficult to get going against the pace trio of Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt and Sarah Coyte.

Coyte was the most successful bowler taking 3 for 20 while Perry and Schutt took two and one wickets respectively.

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