Australia’s Tahlia McGrath remains optimistic about her team's depth after injuries to two key players during their dominant nine-wicket victory over Pakistan at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Australia, currently leading Group A, faced a double blow during the match in Dubai. Fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder while attempting to stop a boundary in the first over, and captain Alyssa Healy was forced to retire hurt due to a calf injury.
With Australia's upcoming match against India in Sharjah on Sunday, there are concerns about the availability of Vlaeminck and Healy. However, McGrath, the team’s vice-captain, expressed confidence in the squad’s strength to cope with the challenges ahead.
“The thing about this Australia team is the depth we have,” said McGrath. “It’s time to use it.”
Speaking about Vlaeminck’s injury, McGrath added, “We’re heartbroken for her. She’s had a really tough time with injuries. We all love Tay, and it was hard to see her go through that. The team needed to regroup, and that moment of coming together after her injury was crucial.”
Spinner Ash Gardner played a key role in Australia’s victory, taking four wickets for 21 runs on a pitch that offered more bounce than previous matches.
“It was nice conditions,” said Gardner, who was named Player of the Match. “The bounce and a little bit of spin helped me, and it was a clinical performance from a bowling perspective. I was fortunate to pick up a few wickets towards the end.”
Gardner, who also contributed in finishing the chase with Ellyse Perry, is now focused on the upcoming clash against India, which will be a rematch of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final.
“We have a big challenge coming up against India,” said Gardner. “They’ve always been tough opponents, and I’m looking forward to another competitive battle.”
On the other side, Pakistan faced a difficult 24 hours, with captain Fatima Sana having to return home following the death of her father. Stand-in skipper Muneeba Ali was candid in her post-match comments, criticizing her team’s batting after they were bowled out for just 82 runs.
“As professionals, we understand the importance of this game,” said Muneeba. “But our batting performance wasn’t up to the mark. That’s not how you play T20 cricket, and it was embarrassing. We need belief and confidence to win, and everyone in the batting group has to step up for the final match against New Zealand.”
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