Teenager Phoebe Litchfield dazzled again with the bat as Australia walloped Pakistan by 10 wickets in the second ODI in Brisbane.
After Pakistan were bowled out at Allan Border Field for 125 in 43 overs, Australia cantered to victory in the 20th over with Litchfield (67no off 61 balls) and fellow opener Beth Mooney (57no off 55) toying with the bowling attack.
There was symmetry in the stand after 19-year-old Litchfield had credited Mooney with inspiring her approach to batting after she made an unbeaten 78 on Monday in Australia’s eight-wicket win over the visitors.
Litchfield’s earlier knock was more sedate. On this occasion, she showcased her full repertoire with her cover driving a joy to behold.
Mooney was in a dominant mood herself and kept driving her younger partner on.
Earlier Australia’s bowlers, led by player of the match Darcie Brown, were all over Pakistan.
Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof won the toss and opted to bat at Allan Border Field but Brown (3-32 off eight) was soon into the action and sent back Sidra Amin (two) with a delivery that jagged off the seam.
Allrounder Kim Garth made her format debut for Australia after previously playing 34 ODIs for Ireland.
Garth (0-13 off eight) opened the bowling and kept things tight at her end.
Darcie Brown. (Photo by Albert Perez – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Pakistan were unable to build any momentum and the loss of Maroof (21) lbw to Annabel Sutherland was a huge blow.
Australia captain Meg Lanning used her bowlers well and brought back Brown in the middle stages to great impact.
The noted wicket taker claimed two scalps to have Pakistan in all sorts of trouble at 5-88. It only got worse from there for the tourists.
Allrounder Nida Dar (24) was her side’s biggest remaining hope and she was unlucky to be run out at the non-striker’s end when the ball brushed Garth’s fingers.
Sutherland (2-13) and legspinner Alana King (2-25) cleaned up the tail to leave Australia with a modest run chase.
The tourist’s captain Bismah Maroof won the toss and opted to bat at Allan Border Field but Brown (3-32 off eight) was soon into the action and sent back Sidra Amin (two) with a delivery that jagged off the seam.
Pakistan were unchanged from the side that lost by eight wickets in Monday’s opening match of the series.
Lanning said Garth (0-13 off eight) deserved her chance with Australia.
“There were some brave decisions to move over the other side of the world to chase your dream,” Lanning said at the toss.
“I’ve played a little bit alongside Kim and I thoroughly enjoy it. She is a very fiery character, very competitive and very skilful too.”
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Yes agree, they need another goal on top of winning the game. Also, in favour of changing the batting order. Carey seems to be on the outer these days, is she going to SA?
Clear as mud
Guest
I don’t think Moons shouldn’t open and keep long term in this format so I guess they will work out a combo for all of them But I don’t think Midge will want to go back to the middle especially in this team, she could rarely get a bat. Possibly Litchfield goes out until Midge is ready to retire - which could be 5 months or 5 years Hard team to get into. And they don’t like rotating the batters as opposed to the hard working bowlers. Personally I would like to see them open with Perry and Lanning in game 3, McGrath 3, Sutherland 4. Gardner then Moody. Maybe pick Carey as well, try and set a world record - but get some batting into the batters going to SA. So yes win toss and bat.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Still needs Phoebe to get out...doesn't look likely. Alyssa Healy into the middle order now.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Too easy. Lanning if she wins the toss needs to bat first to give the other batters some practice.