Mooney steers Aussies to win

WINDS gusting at up to 100km/h in Wellington, closing darkness and a fighting bowling effort from Bangladesh nearly combined to blow Australia’s World Cup campaign off course on Friday.

But it took a fighting knock from batting star Beth Mooney in fading light, with no light towers to help at The Basin, to keep Australia’s unbeaten record intact in a hard-fought five-wicket victory.

Australian spinner Jess Jonassen said it was “without a doubt” the toughest conditions she had played in, with the temperature never getting above 14C and winds so strong the bails had to removed from the stumps.

Mooney finished unbeaten on 66, her fifth not out in seven World Cup innings this tournament in which she is averaging 112. And with Annabel Sutherland (26 not out), Mooney combined for a 66run partnership as Australia reached the target of 136 with five wickets and 65 balls to spare after the match was reduced to 43 overs after a twohour rain delay.

“You have to work your way through that when you are out in the middle. (Sutherland) is an intelligent cricketer,” Mooney said. “She absolutely read the game that was in front of her and played accordingly.”

Australia restricted Bangladesh to 6-135.