Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner powered Australia Women to a 98-run win over Netherlands Women at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Southampton on Saturday. Australia posted 219 for six from their 20 overs before Netherlands reached 121 for three in reply.
Mooney top-scored with 74 before retiring hurt, while Gardner added 58 as Australia turned a strong platform into a total Netherlands were never likely to chase. Georgia Wareham’s late hitting pushed the defending champions beyond 200, giving their bowlers a huge cushion.
Australia stay perfect but Mooney fitness now matters
The result keeps Australia unbeaten through three Group 1 matches and strengthens their semi-final position, but Mooney’s back stiffness adds a note of concern before the tougher fixtures to come. With net run-rate often decisive in short tournament groups, the margin also gives Australia another practical advantage too.
Netherlands still found a landmark of their own. Babette de Leede made an unbeaten half-century and Sterre Kalis helped ensure they batted through the innings, a significant sign of resilience against the tournament favourites.
According to the ICC’s live tournament update, Australia completed their third straight win with the 98-run victory. For Australia, the scoreboard was emphatic; for Netherlands, the batting resistance at least offered something to carry into the next group assignment.
