Australia have won six of the nine editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup – including the last three – and on this form it will take something pretty special to deny them another trophy.
However, there will be concern about the fitness of Vlaeminck and Healy.
Fast bowler Vlaeminck, whose career has been overshadowed by multiple injuries, dislocated her shoulder fielding on the boundary in the first over of Pakistan’s innings. Healy then pulled up running between the wickets and had to be helped from the field in obvious pain.
Australia said Healy sustained an “acute right foot injury” and her “availability for the remainder of the tournament will be clearer” after scans on Saturday.
They added Vlaeminck’s shoulder has been relocated and “the extent of the injury will be known following further assessment over the coming days”.
Injuries aside, it was a complete performance from Australia.
Just four Pakistan batters reached double figures and there were just four boundaries in the entire innings.
Pakistan were 23-2 after the powerplay and the lowest score at a Women’s T20 World Cup of 46 looked under threat when they slipped to 39-5.
Aliya Riaz’s punchy 26 from 32 balls spared them that embarrassment.
Healy and Beth Mooney’s run-a-ball 15 got Australia’s chase off to a flying start, with Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 22 from 23 seeing them over the line.
