Published By: Sayan Guha

ICC Women's World T20: Top Three Century-Knocks from Australia vs. Sri Lanka Clashes in T20Is

As Australia and Sri Lanka gear up for their next T20 clash on 5th October 2024 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, we can’t help but wonder if another century knock is waiting to be made

On 5th October 2024, all eyes will be on Sharjah Cricket Stadium as Australia Women take on Sri Lanka Women in a thrilling ICC Women’s T20 World Cup clash. The match, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, pits the most successful team in the tournament’s history against a Sri Lankan side hungry for victory.

Having won six of the eight T20 World Cups to date, Australia came into this game fresh off a 35-run win over the West Indies in their opening match. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, led by their skipper Chamari Atapattu, will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Pakistan, where Fatima Sana’s all-round brilliance powered her side to victory. So now, it’s worth looking back at some legendary innings from their past encounters.

Healy’s record-breaking ton

Alyssa Healy, the dynamo of Australia’s top order, put on an absolute show at North Sydney Oval in 2019. In the third T20I of the series, she played what could only be described as a batting spectacle. With 148* off just 61 balls, Healy smashed the highest individual score in women’s T20Is. Imagine watching her effortlessly hit 19 fours and 7 sixes, sending the Sri Lankan fielders on a leather hunt.

Her straight driveswere something special. The crowd held their breath every time she drilled the ball down the ground. And when she brought up her century with a straight six, the stadium erupted in applause. It wasn’t just a century – it was a statement.

Her knock led Australia to 2 for 226, their highest T20I total, and the margin of victory, 132 runs, underlined their dominance. Healy’s form that day made even her teammates seem like spectators to her genius. 

Atapattu’s lone warrior century

If a player thrives in the face of strenuous opposition, it’s Chamari Atapattu. The Sri Lankan captain, who loves Australian bowling, took the fight to the Aussies in 2019 with a majestic century. In the first T20I of the series, Atapattu hammered 113 off 66 balls, single-handedly keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive. While her team faltered, Atapattu stood tall, playing with a fearless aggression that has defined her career.

Atapattu’s innings wasn’t just a century; it was a battle cry. Six sixes, including one that landed on the stadium’s roof, and 12 fours sent a clear message – she wasn’t going down without a fight. 

Although Australia won the match by 41 runs, Atapattu’s innings gave Sri Lanka their highest T20I total and a sliver of hope. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was the sheer defiance she showed that day against one of the most formidable teams in the world.

Beth Mooney’s silken knock

In the same match where Atapattu made history, Australia’s Beth Mooney played a sublime knock of her own. With 113 off 61 balls, Mooney displayed textbook T20 batting. Her innings was elegant, with 20 boundaries, yet without a single six – a testament to her impeccable timing and placement.

Mooney’s partnership with Ash Gardner (49) was a joy to watch. Together, they piled on the runs and ensured that Australia’s total of 4 for 217 was well out of Sri Lanka’s reach (176/7). Mooney’s hundred came with a cracking cover drive, and as she walked off after her dismissal, she had not only helped her team post a mammoth total but also joined an elite club of players with two T20I centuries. It was the perfect foil to the more explosive knocks around her and set the foundation for Australia’s dominance.