Women's T20 World Cup: Australia on the brink of semifinals after dominant win over Pakistan

Defending champions Australia delivered a commanding performance to bowl out Pakistan for 82 and n cruised to a nine-wicket victory, virtually sealing a spot in women's T20 World Cup semifinals, here on Friday.

Playing without ir captain Fatima Sana, who returned home following her far’s death, Pakistan struggled and were dismissed in 19.5 overs after Alyssa Healy opted to bowl.

Healy led Australia's chase with a 23-ball 37 (5x4) before retiring hurt due to cramps while running between wickets.

Ellyse Perry (22 not out) and Ashleigh Gardner (7 not out) n overhauled target with nine overs to spare.

With three wins in as many matches, six-time champions have a commanding NRR of 2.786, virtually sealing ir record-extending ninth semifinal appearance.

For Pakistan , this was ir second loss from three matches. Only four batters reached double-digit figures, with No. 6 Aliya Riaz top-scoring with 26. team managed just four boundaries, reflecting ir lack of attacking intent.

Australia also faced an early blow when pacer Tayla Vlaeminck sustained a shoulder injury on field.

However, ir attack remained sharp, led by Ashleigh Gardner's brilliant 4/21. Georgia Wareham (2/16) and Annabel Surland (2/15) also chipped in.

Megan Schutt became leing wicket-taker in women’s T20I history, surpassing Nida Dar, with her 1/7 in three overs.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 82 in 19.5 overs (Aliya Riaz 26; Ashleigh Gardner 4/21) lost to Australia 83/1 in 11 overs (Alyssa Healy 37) by nine wickets.