Australia maintained their flawless start to the Women's T20 World Cup with a commanding 98-run victory over the Netherlands in Southampton, though the win was overshadowed by an injury concern for star batter Beth Mooney. Mooney, who top-scored with a blistering 74 runs from just 42 deliveries, was forced to retire hurt in the 14th over due to back stiffness, a potential blow for the defending champions.
Mooney's innings was instrumental in propelling Australia to a formidable total of 219-6, matching the highest score ever recorded in a Women's T20 World Cup, a feat previously achieved by England earlier in the tournament. She shared a crucial 101-run partnership with Ash Gardner, who herself contributed 58 off 32 balls after returning from an ankle injury. Georgia Wareham also added a rapid 41 from 18 deliveries towards the end of the innings, ensuring Australia set an imposing target.
Despite the Netherlands captain Babette de Leede's resilient unbeaten half-century (56 off 57 balls) in her 100th T20I, and a determined 96-run stand with Sterre Kalis (44 off 43), Australia's total proved well beyond their reach. The Dutch side finished on 121-3 from their 20 overs. Australia's early bowling efforts saw Kim Garth claim two wickets in the powerplay, restricting the Netherlands to 27-2 after six overs.
The immediate impact of Mooney's injury was seen behind the stumps, as she did not return to keep wicket. With emergency wicketkeeper Phoebe Litchfield also sidelined with a quad injury, Georgia Voll stepped in to take the gloves. Voll was quickly into the action, securing a catch at first slip to dismiss Phebe Molkenboer early in the innings.
In the day's second fixture at the same venue, Bangladesh secured a significant 23-run victory over Pakistan, effectively eliminating Pakistan from the tournament. Bangladesh successfully defended their total of 123-6, with spinners Nahida Akter and Sanjida Akther Maghla each taking three wickets to restrict Pakistan to 100-8. Shorna Akter's unbeaten 39 from 22 balls was key to Bangladesh reaching a defendable total.