Australia eased past Pakistan by eight wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match women’s T20I series in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon.
The home side achieved the 119-run target in 13.4 overs with eight wickets in hand.
Star batter Ellyse Perry top-scored with unbeaten 57 off 40 balls, which included seven fours and one six. Meanwhile, Ashleign Gardner returned undefeated on 30 off 19 balls, with the help of three fours and one six. The pair accumulated an unbroken 64 runs for the third wicket.
For Pakistan, spinners Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal claimed a wicket each.
Earlier, after deciding to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for 118 on the final ball of the last over.
The score of 118 was Pakistan’s second highest total against Australia in Australia, which was largely due to Omaima Sohail (30, 36b, 2x4) and Ayesha Naseem (24, 20b, 1x4, 3x6). The pair added 37 runs for the sixth wicket.
For Australia, Schutt took her maiden five-wicket haul in the T20Is, with match figures of 4-1-15-5. Perry and King took two wickets apiece.
Australia and Pakistan will feature in the second T20I on Thursday, 26 January at the Blundstone Arena, Hobart. The game will start at 1905 (local time) with the toss taking place at 1835.
It must be noted that Australia whitewashed Pakistan in the three-match ODI series during the ongoing tour as well.
Scores in brief:
Australia women beat Pakistan women by eight wickets
Pakistan Women 118 all out, 20 overs (Omaima Sohail 30, Ayesha Naseem 24, Javeria Khan 16; Megan Schutt 5-15, Ellyse Perry 2-3, Alana King 2-16)
Australia Women 119-2, 13.4 overs (Ellyse Perry 57 not out, Ashleigh Gardner 30 not out)
Player of the match – Megan Schutt (Australia)