Australia’s comeback batter Meg Lanning has mixed along with her apprentice to safe an eight-wicket win over Pakistan within the opening ODI in Brisbane.
Phoebe Litchfield, 19, made a trendy unbeaten 78 off 92 balls in her ODI debut to work in tandem with returned Australian captain Lanning (67 off 76) in a snug victory at Allan Border Subject.
Australia’s spinners put the brakes on and took wickets to limit Pakistan to 8-160 of their diminished 40-over innings after rain interrupted play.
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The hosts’ goal was diminished to 158 underneath the DLS system they usually reached it with 67 balls to spare.
Participant-of-the-match Litchfield fittingly hit the profitable run after a debut to recollect.
“I dreamed about it final night time,” she stated post-match.
“Do I get a duck?” Do I get to attain some runs. For that to occur, I’m fairly relieved.”
Lanning was taking part in her first sport for Australia since final yr’s Commonwealth Video games after taking a five-month break from the sport.
It was like she had by no means been away. The 30-year-old obtained off the mark with a trademark sq. drive for 4 and went about her work with customary assurance.
Opener Litchfield, who had made her T20 worldwide debut in India final month, performed with maturity past her years.
She punished the unhealthy balls and saved out the nice ones. Her beautiful driving was a spotlight.
The duo upped the ante and toyed with the Pakistan bowlers as their 137-run second-wicket stand progressed.
Litchfield is a superb discover for Australian cricket after the retirement of Rachael Haynes.
She seems to be set to be a fixture within the Australian batting order for years to return.
After making a duck for the Governor Common’s XI towards Pakistan on Friday, she had a easy plan on debut.
“Leaving early, getting by means of the brand new ball and cashing in,” she stated.
“It is a easy sport plan nevertheless it’s onerous while you’re on the market.”
Lanning, a childhood idol, helped her by means of the innings.
“I’ve by no means batted with Meg or performed along with her and he or she is simply the most effective batting associate,” Litchfield stated.
“She is aware of precisely what to say and when. At any time when I felt underneath strain she both scored a 4 or got here down the opposite finish and gave me some phrases of recommendation.
“Welcome again. It seems to be like she hasn’t missed a day.”
Earlier, Australia’s spinners Jess Jonassen (2-23), Ash Gardner (1-15) and Alana King (1-21) all discovered an ideal size within the 19 overs they bowled between them.
Wicketkeeper Beth Mooney was excellent behind the stumps to again them up, with a deft legside catch to dismiss Bismah Maroof (28) off Gardner and a slick stumping off King to take away Aliya Riaz (11).
Veteran Pakistan allrounder Nida Dar (59) performed a composed and classy knock however lacked help.
