A brilliant penultimate over from Annabel Sutherland turned the game in Australia’s favor as they edged past New Zealand by eight runs, completing a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series at the Sky Stadium, Wellington. (More Cricket News)
After opting to bowl first, New Zealand got an early breakthrough, dismissing Beth Mooney for 21, but Georgia Voll made them pay for their sloppy fielding. Dropped six times, Voll anchored Australia’s innings with a superb 75, her second T20I half-century.
Contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (26 off 16), Annabel Sutherland (11 off 9), Tahlia McGrath (14 off 5), and an unbeaten 32 off 19 from Ellyse Perry powered Australia to 180/6. Rosemary Mair, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, and Suzie Bates picked up a wicket each for New Zealand.
Chasing 181, the hosts endured a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 26 runs. Suzie Bates (7), Georgia Plimmer (4), Bella James (14), and Sophie Devine (1) fell cheaply, putting New Zealand under pressure.
However, Amelia Kerr (66) and Maddy Green (62) staged a remarkable fightback, adding over 100 runs to bring the game back to life.
With momentum shifting, Green’s run-out proved costly, and Sutherland’s brilliant 19th over, which included Kerr’s dismissal, tilted the game back in Australia’s favor.
Despite their valiant efforts, New Zealand fell short at 172/7, handing Australia a clean sweep.
Sutherland starred with 4/28, while Megan Schutt and Georgia Wareham chipped in with key wickets.
New Zealand Women Vs Australia Women 3rd T20I Playing XIs
New Zealand Women Playing XI: Suzie Bates(c), Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Bella James, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Jess Kerr, Polly Inglis(w), Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson
Australia Women Playing XI: Beth Mooney(w), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath(c), Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt
