A Beth Mooney-inspired Australia equaled the highest Women’s T20 World Cup total in the Netherlands race

Beth Mooney (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP) Australia continued their dominant run in the Women’s World T20 Cup with a crushing 98-run win over the Netherlands on Saturday. The defending champions posted 219/6, equaling the highest total in the history of the tournament and crossing the 200-run mark for the first time in the Women’s World T20 Cup.Beth Mooney led the charge with a blistering 74 off 42 balls before retiring with a stiff back. However, the Australian opener later played down concerns about her fitness.“I’m fine, just a precaution,” Mooney said. “We’re probably just not used to all the bus travel we’ve been doing.Ash Gardner, returning from an ankle injury, made 58 while Georgia Wareham’s quickfire 41 off 18 balls helped Australia finish.With Mooney off the field and regular back-up wicketkeeper Phoebe Litchfield unavailable due to a quad injury, Georgia Voll took the gloves and impressed behind the stumps. Australia then backed up their batting efforts with disciplined bowling to restrict the Netherlands to 121/3.Although it looked like the Dutch side would never reach 220, captain Babette de Leede and Sterre Kalis put up a valiant fight with a 96-run opening partnership. Kalis scored 44 while de Leede remained unbeaten on 56 in her 100th T20 appearance.

Dutch captain proud despite defeat

De Leede, who reached the milestone alongside Robine Rijke, said the clash with Australia was a valuable experience for her side.“It’s a huge moment for us,” said de Leede. “Australia are a quality team (so) to learn from them, to see how they go about their innings, it’s just incredible.”The win secured Australia’s third straight win in the tournament and further cemented their position in the table.