Women’s World Cup: I don’t shy away from feedback, says Beth Mooney after century against Pakistan
Australia turned a near‑collapse into a thrilling comeback against Pakistan in the ninth match of the Women’s World Cup, and star batter Beth Mooney explained how the team’s mental game carried them through the drama.
In the first innings, the Aussie squad found themselves rattled at 67‑7 before a partnership between Mooney and wicket‑keeper Kim Garth steadied the situation. Mooney went on to score a brilliant century, and the partnership with Alana King that followed pushed Australia to 221‑9 in 50 overs. The resilient finish kept the defending champions on the front line of the tournament and sent a message to everyone else.
Mooney said the key to her knock was a team‑wide approach. “I didn’t shy away from seeing any feedback during the game,” she told reporters after the match. “We used every resource around us. That was important to know when to play more expansive shots and answer the bowlers in the right way.” The Australian coach, Dan Marsh, and even players on the sidelines helped her keep focus. “They were my soundtrack, so I could make good decisions,” she added.
The momentum shift started long before the 106‑run ninth‑wicket partnership. Mooney’s steady, patient play helped draw out Pakistan’s bowlers and drain their energy. With 12.3 overs of the final partnership, the Aussies slowly re‑established control and then accelerated, bringing the score up to 221‑9, a total that set up the remaining 50‑over game to be a dominantly Australian one.
“It felt good having a target to help Kim and Alana work with,” Mooney explained. “When a team is ahead, it’s easier to take the initiative. We used the time to build a partnership that left Pakistan flat‑footed.” The win also turned out to be Australia’s first match after a washout of the game against Sri Lanka.
This century was only Mooney’s first One‑Day International innings in Sri Lanka – and just her second match there in any format, shrinking a gap that had stood since her single T20I in 2016. She admitted there were moments when she entertained risky shots, but opted to play the game first, “park the ball and play the situation.” With plenty of overs left in the innings, Australia managed to keep steady, let the scoreboard move in a controlled way, and press towards the top of the running order.
The six‑run victory highlighted the broad strength of Australian women’s cricket and underscores how mental toughness can turn a desperate situation into a convincing Grand Slam win. With the World Cup still rolling forward, the nation’s momentum is clear and the road to claiming back the title is an exciting one.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
