Tahlila mcgrath

ODI World Cup: Beth Mooney’s fighting century and a record-breaking lower-order partnership with Alana King rescued Australia from the brink of collapse, guiding them to 221/9 in 20 overs against Pakistan in their ICC Women’s World Cup encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium here on Wednesday.

At one stage, the defending champions were reeling at 76/7 after Pakistan’s bowlers ripped through the top order, but Mooney and King combined to produce one of the most memorable comebacks in World Cup history. Their 106-run stand for the ninth wicket — the highest ninth-wicket partnership in Women’s ODIs — lifted Australia to a competitive total.

Mooney anchored the innings with a composed 109 off 114 balls, marking her first century in a World Cup game and her second-highest ODI score against Pakistan. King, meanwhile, played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, registering the highest individual score for a batter at number 10 or below in Women’s ODIs.