Full Time: Australia 88-24 Northern Ireland
Australia cruise through their opening game passed Norther Ireland in Liverpool. They dominated in all areas of the court, but especially in defensive and shooting circles. Good news for Australia fans as their captain Caitlin Bassett looked sharp and fit but it’s a case of wait and see for her injured counterpart Caroline O’Hanlon.
Northern Ireland must have studied their opponent’s weakness late as they have scored a couple of goals on the bounce. But then excellent pressure from the Australian defense forces Northern Ireland to retreat and they made a mistake, with Courtney Bruce fizzing a long pass to drive her side forward and made it 87.
It’s hard to gather from that where either side are at, as Australia were dominant and rarely tested.
Australia were ruthless from the first center pass, and Northern Ireland just couldn’t stick with them, but it was a good opportunity for coach Lisa Alexander to see all 12 of her players in action, which is a welcome luxury in a tournament with such quick game turnarounds.
They face Zimbabwe in their second game on Saturday.
But team shooting stats at 60% were just not good enough on this stage, and Northern Ireland have plenty of work to do and they will have to do it quickly, ahead of their second game against Sir Lanka on Saturday.
Zimbabwe edge ahead
There’s an incredibly close game unfolding in Liverpool, World Cup debutants Zimbabwe are currently leading Sri Lanka 53-42.
