Georgia Voll produced a scintillating 88 while Beth Mooney added 46 as Australia registered their highest-ever opening stand against India in women’s T20Is, piling up 163 for five in the second T20I on Thursday.
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The duo stitched together a commanding 128-run partnership in 14.5 overs, surpassing the previous Australian record of 115 for the first wicket against India, set by Alyssa Healy and Mooney in Melbourne in March 2020. On a batting-friendly surface, Voll and Mooney dominated the Indian attack with confident strokeplay and clever placement.
Voll took charge from the outset, capitalising on some erratic bowling to find boundaries at will. The right-hander struck 11 fours and a six in her 57-ball 88, showcasing a full range of shots on both sides of the wicket.
Mooney played the supporting role to perfection, rotating strike efficiently while punishing loose deliveries. The experienced left-hander was denied a half-century when she was caught at mid-on by Shafali Verma off Arundhati Reddy for 46 off 39 balls, falling just four runs short of the milestone on the penultimate ball of the 15th over.
Arundhati was the pick of the Indian bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 30 from her four overs. She removed both openers and could have had another wicket had a catch off Ashleigh Gardner (10 not out) not been put down off the final ball of her spell.
Brief scores:
Australia Women 163/5 in 20 overs (Georgia Voll 88, Beth Mooney 46; Arundhati Reddy 2/30).
