Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia thrash New Zealand as Megan Schutt takes 3-3 and Beth Mooney hits 40

Megan Schutt claimed 3-3 as Australia brushed aside New Zealand with a dominant bowling display to move top of Group A at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Both sides had won their opening match and the Kiwis had a glimmer of hope on a slow pitch in Sharjah after they restricted the defending champions to 148-8.

Beth Mooney’s 40 provided the backbone of Australia’s total, while Ellyse Perry chipped in with 30 as New Zealand leg-spinner Amelia Kerr claimed an impressive 4-26.

Kerr, who hit 29, spearheaded New Zealand’s response with the bat as she and the experienced Suzie Bates took them to 54-1 at the halfway point in their reply.

However, when Bates was bowled by Sophie Molineux with the first ball after drinks, it started the rot for the White Ferns, who lost nine wickets for 34 runs.

Schutt finished with scarcely-believable figures off 3.2 overs, while all-rounder Annabel Sutherland blew away the middle order en route to 3-21.

Australia are top of Group A on four points, with New Zealand two points behind in third.

More to follow…