Australia’s comeback batter Meg Lanning has mixed together 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 Field.
Australia’s spinners had put the brakes on and took wickets to limit Pakistan to 8-160 of their lowered 40-over innings after rain interrupted play.
The hosts’ goal was lowered to 158 below the DLS system and so they reached it with 67 balls to spare.
Player-of-the-match Litchfield fittingly hit the successful run after a debut to recollect.
“I dreamed about it last night,” she stated post-match.
“Do I get a duck? Do I get to score some runs. For that to happen, I am pretty relieved.”
Lanning was enjoying her first sport for Australia since final 12 months’s Commonwealth Games after taking a five-month break from the sport.
It was like she had by no means been away. The 30-year-old received 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 stored out the nice. 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 set to be a fixture within the Australian batting order for years to come back.
After making a duck for the Governor General’s XI in opposition to Pakistan on Friday, she had a easy plan on debut.
“Leaving early, getting through the new ball and cashing in,” she stated.
“It’s a simple game plan but it is hard when you are out there.”
Lanning, a childhood idol, helped her by way of the innings.
“I’ve never batted with Meg or played with her and she is just the best batting partner,” Litchfield stated.
“She knows exactly what to say and when. Whenever I felt under pressure she either scored a four or came down the other end and gave me some words of advice.
“Welcome back. It looks 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 trendy knock however lacked assist.
