Australia moved a step closer to the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a convincing 10-wicket win over Sri Lanka at Gqeberha.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, the holders restricted Sri Lanka to 112-8, with Megan Shute (4-24) starring for Australia.
Harshitha Madavi (34 off 40) top-scored for Sri Lanka but Australia’s bowlers were in dominant form, with Grace Harris (2-7), Ellyse Perry (1-14) and Georgia Wareham ( 1-20) between the wickets.
In reply, Beth Mooney (56 off 53) and Alyssa Healy (54 off 43) put on a 113-run partnership to give Australia victory with 4.5 overs to spare.
Australia will reach the semi-finals as group winners if they avoid defeat by South Africa in their final group game on Saturday.
Only a loss to South Africa, combined with the hosts and Sri Lanka beating New Zealand in their final group games and an unlikely reverse, would see Australia miss the last four.
The impressive chase against Sri Lanka was in stark contrast to Australia’s struggling second innings in the unconvincing win over Bangladesh last time out.
Mooney scored her first runs of the tournament on her way to a run-a-ball half-century and was supported by Healy who reached her 50 in just 38 deliveries after surviving a cut attempt in the second over.
Sri Lanka would have sealed their place with a win, having won their opening games against South Africa and Bangladesh.
They raced to 50-1 after the first seven overs, but once Madavi was removed thanks to a stunning diving catch from Harris, Sri Lanka’s innings stalled with the next seven overs going for just 19 runs.
Sri Lanka can still reach the knockout stage with a win over New Zealand in their final match on Sunday.
Friday, February 17, 12:30 p.m
“Our bowlers made the win”
Australia captain Meg Lanning: “Our bowlers set up the win. Grace Harris came in, she didn’t bowl much and to be able to step into that role was brilliant.
“I think people stand up at different times. Like I say, with Grace she comes and plays a very specific role. Just the ability to call different people and they come at different times.”
“We did our best”
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu: “We tried our best in the powerplay. After 15 overs we weren’t playing well and we weren’t executing our plans and that’s why we lost.
“Mooney and Healy batted really well. We have to get wickets early or we can’t restrict Australia for runs.
“We want to play positive cricket in the next game. We play our natural game positively.”
Saturday, February 18, 12:30 p.m
What’s next?
New Zealand and Bangladesh play in Cape Town on Friday, before the West Indies take on Ireland at the same venue.
Australia play their final group stage match on Saturday against South Africa, with Sri Lanka taking on New Zealand on Sunday.
England face India from Gqeberha on Saturday. Watch every T20 World Cup match live on Sky Sports.