Australia Women blow away Netherlands, pile pressure on India in semis

Australia continued their dominant run in the Women’s World T20 Cup after beating the Netherlands by 98 runs in their Group A clash at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday, June 20. The comprehensive win piled the pressure on India ahead of their crucial clash against South Africa in Manchester on Sunday.

India currently hold a net run rate of +3.975 and have briefly moved ahead of Australia after their win over the Dutch. However, Australia’s Sophie Molineux has since returned to the top spot, increasing her net speed to +4.391 with this impressive performance.

Australia vs. Netherlands Women’s World Cup T20: Highlights | Scorecard

The qualifying scenario has now become significantly tougher. If India beat South Africa, they will be in a strong position heading into their final group game against Australia. However, if they lose, the equation becomes much more complicated and a defeat against Australia could potentially knock them out of the tournament, depending on net run rate calculations and other results.

MOONEY LEADS RECRUITMENT

Australia Women put in a dominant batting display, posting a massive total at 10.95 and completely overwhelming the Dutch bowling attack. They also had a chance to break England’s record for the highest team total in the history of the tournament.

Beth Mooney led the charge with a 30-ball half-century and looked good for a century, but didn’t get there after stiffness hurt her, cutting short what was shaping up to be a match-defining knock. She still scored a fluent 74 off 42 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, laying the platform for the rest of the batting.

Mooney had able support from Georgia Voll who provided the initial impetus with a quick 17 off 9 balls. Ashleigh Gardner also showed her class with the bat, making 58 off 32 deliveries, combining raw power with clean hitting. Georgia Wareham added more carnage with a quick 41 off 18 balls, cashing in on anything short or wide.

The Dutch attack struggled throughout. Iris Zwilling finished with three wickets but conceded 52 runs, while Caroline de Lange claimed two wickets but it proved costly.

Australia’s depth provided constant acceleration, with contributions from Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux helping to push the total to an impressive finish.

BABETTE FIGHTS BUT AUSTRALIA WINS

Netherlands put up a spirited effort but ultimately fell short to finish their chase at 121 for three.

The Dutch innings got off to a poor start with early setbacks as Phebe Molkenboer was dismissed for 0 and Heather Siegers fell for 9 leaving the side reeling in the over. However, captain Babette de Leede once again anchored the innings with remarkable composure.

She finished unbeaten on 56 off 57 balls and scored her second half-century of the tournament after reaching the milestone on 47 balls. She opened the tournament with a fifty against Bangladesh but failed to celebrate the milestone after being run out in an attempt for the 51st run.

Sterre Kalis provided strong support with a fluent 44 off 43 balls, forming a key partnership that stabilized the innings after early damage. Their attitude ensured that the Netherlands avoided a collapse and bowled their overs.

Australia’s bowlers maintained control throughout, with Kim Garth taking 2 wickets for 20 runs and Annabel Sutherland adding another breakthrough to effectively limit the scoring in the middle overs.

Despite the defeat, the Netherlands’ batting efforts, particularly from de Leede and Kalis, showed resilience against one of the strongest bowling attacks in the tournament. It continued their dominant run for Australia, leaving them with one foot in the semi-final door.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

20 Jun 2026 19:36 IST