Beth Mooney has allayed fears over her back injury after Australia powered to a commanding 98-run victory over the Netherlands in their Women's T20 World Cup group-stage match in Southampton.

Chasing Australia's imposing total of 6–219, the world's 14th-ranked side could only manage 3–121, despite a spirited batting display from the associate nation.

The win, Australia's third in succession, puts the six-time champions on the verge of securing a top-two finish in their group and a place in the semi-finals.

However, the match was not without concern. Mooney, who smashed an unbeaten 74 off just 42 balls, was forced to retire hurt with the score at 2–152 after 14 overs. She showed no visible signs of discomfort before leaving the crease, having just launched Iris Zwilling (3–52) for a six-two deliveries earlier, before scrambling a quick two to end the over.

Cricket Australia later confirmed the issue as "back stiffness." Accepting the Player of the Match award after the game, the 32-year-old played down the setback.

"I'm all good, just precautionary," Mooney said. "I'm just not used to all the bus travel we've been doing. The Leeds to Southampton trip is a pretty long one."

Ash Gardner (58 off 32 balls) and Georgia Wareham (41 off 18 balls) also found the boundary with regularity, but it was Mooney who looked most threatening before her early exit.

With fellow wicketkeeper Phoebe Litchfield (quad) still sidelined, and Mooney unable to take the gloves during the Netherlands' innings, Georgia Voll stepped in behind the stumps. Voll made an immediate impact, taking a sharp catch to her right in the second over to dismiss Phebe Molkenboer for a duck.

Kim Garth (2–20) struck again shortly after, leaving the Dutch reeling at 2–17. From there, the minnows never mounted a serious challenge.

Despite the loss, their third straight without a win, the Netherlands had reasons to smile. Captain Babette de Leede, playing her 100th T20I, hit an unbeaten 56 off 57 balls, while Sterre Kalis contributed a defiant 44 off 43 deliveries. The pair combined for a 96-run third-wicket stand that gave the Australian bowlers something to think about.

Australian quick Lucy Hamilton impressed on her T20 World Cup debut, conceding just 13 runs from her four overs, giving selectors plenty to ponder ahead of upcoming fixtures against Pakistan and India.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Australia exploded out of the blocks. Mooney and Voll found the ropes at will, racing to 0–50 inside 4.3 overs before a brief wobble. Voll (17 off 9) was the first to go, skying a full delivery for a simple catch, and Ellyse Perry, making a record 50th T20 World Cup appearance, fell for just one, caught in the deep while attempting to clear Heather Siegers.

Gardner, returning from an ankle injury, was given a life on 25 and made full use of it, racing to her half-century off only 28 balls.

Mooney's knock featured nine fours and a six before she departed with her back issue, but Australia was firmly on course for another dominant win.