Fast bowler Megan Schutt matched a record before opener Beth Mooney delivered a steadying innings as Australia secured a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their T20 World Cup title defense. Schutt claimed three wickets for 12 runs off four overs, helping to restrict Sri Lanka to 93 for seven at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

In response, Australia stumbled to 14 for two and 35 for three as Alyssa Healy (4), Georgia Wareham (3), and Ellyse Perry (17) were dismissed. However, Mooney's unbeaten 43 off 38 balls helped steady the ship, guiding Australia to victory with 34 deliveries remaining.

"We were decent without being perfect," said captain Healy. "We adapted to the conditions quickly with the ball. Starting the tournament 1-0 is a good result for us. Some confidence out of that."

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Sri Lanka collapsed to six for two in the fourth over and never recovered as Australia's star-studded attack dominated. Spinner Sophie Molineux finished with two for 20 from her four overs, but it was Schutt who proved most challenging.

Schutt dismissed opener Vishmi Gunaratne for a duck in the third over, kickstarting Australia's dominant performance. The 31-year-old claimed two more wickets in the final over, bringing her T20 World Cup tally to 43, equaling the record set by South Africa's Shabnim Ismail, who retired from international cricket last year.

The temperature soared into the mid-30s during the match, but Australia's recent daily sauna sessions prepared them well. "I think we've finally acclimatized, because I didn't feel like I was going to die out there today," Schutt said with a laugh. "Mooney lost about 16kg out there. We've played in hot conditions before. It is what it is. You've got to suck it up and get on with it. The breeze out here made it a lot easier today."

Nilakshi de Silva top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 29 off 40 balls, while Harshitha Samarawickrama (23 off 35) and Anushka Sanjeewani (16) were the only other batters to reach double figures. Australia opted not to play a fourth spinner, instead selecting fast bowler Darcie Brown, who had a tough outing, bowling three no-balls and a wide in her first and only over.

Australia's run chase started shakily, with Healy clean bowled and Wareham run out by a brilliant direct hit from Kavisha Dilhari. Mooney found the heat challenging but ensured the early loss of wickets was only a temporary setback, producing a solid knock to help Australia recover. The 30-year-old was given a life on 22 when she was dropped in the deep but otherwise seemed in control.

Australia, aiming for a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title, will face New Zealand on Tuesday. Sri Lanka, now 0-2 after losses to Pakistan and Australia, will fight to stay alive when they take on India on Wednesday.