Mooney scare mars Australia’s T20 World Cup win over Dutch
Justin Chadwick
Beth Mooney played down concerns about her back injury after Australia defeated the Netherlands by 98 runs in their T20 Women’s World Cup clash in Southampton.
In response to Australia’s 6-219 on Saturday, the world’s No. 14 team was restricted to 3-121 despite a valiant effort from the Associate nation.
Australia’s third win of the series put them within the top two of their group and a place in the semi-finals.
But there was an injury scare for Mooney, who made an unbeaten 74 from 42 deliveries before retiring, with the scoreboard reading 2-152 after 14 overs.
Mooney did not appear to be hindered in any way before getting off the ground, before hitting a quick two for a six to Iris Zwilling (3-52) before wrapping up the match.
Cricket Australia revealed Mooney was suffering from “back stiffness” and the 32-year-old downplayed the injury when accepting the player of the match award after the win.
“I’m fine, just as a precaution,” Mooney said.
“I’m not used to the bus journeys we do. The journey from Leeds to Southampton is quite long.”
Ash Gardner (58 off 32 balls) and Georgia Wareham (41 off 18 balls) hit plenty of boundaries, but it was Mooney who looked the most dangerous before being forced out.
With fellow wicketkeeper Phoebe Litchfield (four) still in the side and Mooney unable to move behind the stumps in Holland’s innings, Georgia Voll took the gloves and took a sharp catch to her right to set up Phebe Molkenboer for a duck at second.
Kim Garth (2-20) took his second wicket soon after and the Netherlands fell to 2-17, with the Golians unable to come close to a serious challenge after that.
But the winless Netherlands (0-3) still had plenty to smile about ahead of their final group matches against South Africa and Pakistan.
Dutch captain Babette de Leede remained unbeaten on 56 off 57 balls in her 100th T20I, while Sterre Kalis (44 off 43) also showed plenty of flair and challenge in her 96-run third wicket.
Australia speedster Lucy Hamilton was economical with 0-13 in four overs on her T20 World Cup debut, giving the selectors insight as the six-time champions prepare for matches against Pakistan and India.
Earlier, Australia got off to a flying start after being sent out to bat; Mooney and Voll found the boundaries at will as the scoreline moved to 0-50 after 4.3 overs before the wobble came.
Voll (17 off nine balls) was the first to fall as he bowled a fuller delivery for an easy catch.
And Australia slumped to 2-51 after Ellyse Perry, who made a record 50th appearance in the T20 World Cup, was caught behind once after trying to bowl spinner Heather Siegers for six overs.
Returning from an ankle injury, Gardner was given life at 25 and made the most of it, making a half-century off just 28 balls.
Mooney hit nine fours and a six before leaving the field with a back problem.
AAP
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