Ella Hayward and her Australian Under 19 teammates have all but secured a semi-final appearance at the ICC Women's Under 19 T20 World Cup after notching up wins against India and the United Arab Emirates in the tournament's super six stage.
The Australians easily accounted for the UAE overnight, chasing down the UAE's 8-107 with six wickets and 4.5 overs to spare.
Hayward finished 14 not out from 11 balls faced, completing the chase with Lucy Hamilton (2*) after opener Kate Pelle (51 from 36) lead the Australian chase.
The Jawoyn off spinner was uncharacteristically expensive in the first innings of the match, conceding 20 runs from her 2 overs whilst picking up the wicket of UAE middle order batter Mahika Gaur leg-before-wicket.
Video | U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023
Official U19 T20 World Cup website - live matches, scores, news, highlights, commentary, rankings, videos and fixtures from the International Cricket Council.
In the previous super six stage match, the Australian side comprehensively beat India by seven wickets.
Hayward was instrumental in Australia bowling India out for a modest 87, delivering 14 dots across four overs, remarkable in this format, for just 13 runs.
She also picked up the wicket of Indian wicketkeeper Hrishita Basu (14 from 23), with India bowled out in the 19th over.
Video | U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2023
Official U19 T20 World Cup website - live matches, scores, news, highlights, commentary, rankings, videos and fixtures from the International Cricket Council.
Australia made light work of the chase, surpassing India's score in the 14th over with seven wickets in hand.
Hayward missed out with the bat for the first time in the tournament, managing only 7 runs after being caught at point attempting to cut Indian left arm orthodox bowler Sonam Yadav (1-22), with Amy Smith (26* from 25) the top scorer.
Regularly the youngest in both the Victorian and Melbourne Renegades teams, Hayward said she is enjoying her senior role in the Australian side.
"It's been a little bit different, for sure," Hayward said.
"But it's been a really good challenge and obviously to have a bit of experience and try and help the other girls where I can and really lead from the front has been a lot of fun. I've loved every minute of it."
Along with Tasmanian spin bowler Amy Smith, the pair have a combined 65 Women's Big Bash League appearances.
Hayward said the pair are embracing the opportunity to lead the Australian spin bowling attack.
"We love getting to take the opportunity with the ball and really changing the game where we can, whether that's dots or or wickets," Hayward said,
"We talk a lot with each other, it's a lot of fun and we love the opportunities that we get."
Australia's likely semi-final appearance is on Friday, with their opponent yet to be determined.
