WELLINGTON: In the 11th match of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, Australia sealed a thumping 141-runs victory over the hosts New Zealand following the combined bowling effort from the Aussie bowlers, here on Sunday.
Set to chase 270, New Zealand’s batting line-up failed and bowled out for a skimpy 128 in the 31st over.
The White Ferns had a forgetful start to the run chase as the hosts lost half of their side for just 35. The left-handed middle-order batter Amy Sattherwaite fought hard with her gritty 44 off 67 balls but she too could not pull her side out of trouble.
The side lost wickets at an alarming rate and Sattherwaite, who was retaliating like a lone warrior also made her way back in the 29th over.
Lea Tahuhu, on the other hand, also resisted a bit as she scored 25 off 23 deliveries, while the rest of the batters had no answer to the Australian bowling attack.
For Australia, Darcie Brown shone with three wickets, while Amanda-Jade Wellington and Ashleigh Gardener picked two each. Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, and Megan Schutt, on the other hand, made one scalp each.
Batting first, Australia managed to post a commendable 269/8 in the allotted 50 overs, thanks to the fifties from Perry and McGrath.
After being put in to bat first, Australian openers Alyssa Healy and Rachael Haynes managed to provide a fair start to the former champions. The pair put on a 37-runs stand for the first wicket before Healy walked back for 15.
Haynes then put on a brief 17-runs partnership with the skipper Meg Lanning as the latter could only manage to score five before making her way back. The former then soon perished in the next over after scoring 30.
Perry alongside Beth Mooney then anchored the innings; putting on an important 57-runs partnership for the fourth wicket. Mooney, who was looking in control lost her wicket to Amelia Kerr in the 30th over. She scored 30 before castled her with a beautiful delivery.
Perry then partnered strongly with McGrath and laid the foundation for a commendable total. The pair added 101 runs for the fifth wicket before the former walked back to the dugout. The all-rounder top-scored with 68 off 86 balls, laced with six boundaries and a six.
McGrath, on the other hand, perished briefly after Perry’s dismissal. She followed back with her 57 off 56 deliveries; smashing eight boundaries.
Gardener then scored a quickfire 48 down the order. She faced a mere 18 deliveries and smacked four boundaries and as many sixes to power her side to 269/8 in 50 overs.
For White Ferns, Tahuhu led the way with three wickets, while Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Frances McKay, and Hannah Rowe struck out a batter each.
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