Mount Manganui, 8 March 2022: Bismah Maroof scored a half-century in only her second match after childbirth and also featured in a record partnership with Aliya Riaz, but her efforts were not enough as Australia beat Pakistan by seven wickets in an ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 match here on Tuesday.
Bismah returned unbeaten on 78 and added 99 runs for the fifth wicket with Aliya as Pakistan scored 190 for six after they had elected to bat first and slipped to 44 for four inside 13 overs. Aliya dominated Pakistan’s highest partnership in World Cups with a contribution of 53 from 109 balls with four fours.
Bismah’s 122-ball innings included eight fours.
Leg-spinner Alana King was the pick of the bowlers for Australia with two wickets for 24. Megan Schutt, Ellyse Perry, Amanda-Jade Wellington and Nicola Carey picked up a wicket each.
In turn, the target proved to be an easy one for Australia who romped to victory for the loss of three wickets in 34.4 overs.
Wicketkeeper/opener Alyssa Healy top-scored with a 79-ball 72 (7x4). Healy provided her side a 60-run opening start with Rachael Haynes (34) and another 63 runs for the second wicket with captain Meg Lanning (35).
For Pakistan, Omaima Sohail picked up two wickets for 39 runs, while Nashra Sandhu took one wicket.
This was Pakistan’s second successive defeat in the eight-team tournament. Their next match is against South Africa at the same venue on 11 March.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan 190-6, 50 overs (Bismah Maroof 78 not out, Aliya Riaz 53; Alana King 2-24)
Australia 193-3, 34.4 overs (Alyssa Healy 72, Rachael Haynes 34, Meg Lanning 35, Ellyse Perry 26 not out, Beth Mooney 23 not out, Omaima Sohail 2-39)
