Schutt, Mooney help Australia beat Sri Lanka in Women’s T20 World Cup

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates: Megan Schutt on Saturday equalled the highest wickets for a bowler in Women´s T20 World Cup as she helped Australia begin their title defence with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka.

The pace bowler returned figures of 3-12 in Sharjah´s extreme heat to move level with former South African quick Shabnim Ismail on 43 wickets in the tournament.

Schutt´s efforts kept Sri Lanka down to 93-7, a total the Australian batters overhauled with 34 balls to spare after losing four wickets.

Opener Beth Mooney, player of the tournament in the 2023 edition, hit an unbeaten 43 and took regular drink breaks to beat the heat.

“In the heat it was tough,” player of the match Schutt said.

“I think Moons lost about 16 kilos out there. I think we´ve finally acclimatised because I didn´t feel like I would die today. We´ve played in hot conditions before. It is what it is, got to suck up and get on with it.”

Sri Lanka slumped to their second loss in the tournament and are still looking for their first victory against Australia in women´s T20 matches.

The Sri Lankans elected to bat first but got their first runs on the 16th ball before Schutt sent back opener Vishmi Gunaratne out for a duck.

The Sri Lankan batters found it tough to score against a disciplined attack and Sophie Molineux got two wickets with her left-arm spin to further dent the opposition.