Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars post 91-run win over Pakistan at ICC Women’s World Cup
The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have kicked off their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign with a 91-run win over Pakistan at Barabati Stadium today.
Australian Sarah Coyte was named player-of-the-match for her impressive all-round performance which included 36* runs and bowling figures of 3-20.
After winning the toss and electing to bat the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars got off to a rough start, losing the key early wickets of Meg Lanning (17) and Jess Cameron (7). Opener Rachael Haynes steadied the ship with her knock of 40 before she was run out in the 25th over. Lisa Sthalekar (32) provided some resistance through the middle of the innings and combined well with Coyte (36*), who proved to be the main-stayer at the tail end. The Australian side finished all out for 175 after 46.1 overs. Sadia Yousuf (3-30) and Asmavia Iqbal (2-37) proved the most dangerous of the Pakistani bowlers.
The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars bowlers wasted no time with the new ball, with Megan Schutt (1-7) claiming the key wicket of Pakistan captain Sana Mir (2) in the second over and Ellyse Perry (2-18) following up three overs later with the wicket of opener Nahida Khan (10). Sthalekar (2-19) backed up her impressive batting innings, chipping in with two wickets, while 17-year-old Holly Ferling impressed in her One Day International (ODI) debut for Australia, returning figures of 2-10. The Australian side had Pakistan all out for 84 in the 34th over. Bismah Maroof (43) and Nahida Khan (10) were the only Pakistan players to reach double figures.
The Commonwealth Bank Stars will face South Africa in their second group match at Driems Cricket Ground on Sunday.
