Six-time Women’s World Cup champions Australia put up another stellar performance, this time to top the points table after beating trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand by 141 runs at the Basin Reserve here on Sunday.
In one of the most one-sided wins in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, Australia bundled out the hosts for just 128 after setting a target of 270 for victory. Only White Ferns top-order batsman Amy Satterthwaite (44 off 67 balls) could cross 25, while six of her teammates fell into single digits.
It was a clinical performance from the Meg Lanning-led Australia as they successfully defended 269/8 by dismissing their opponents in the 31st over. Lanning had strong contributions from almost every member, with Ellyse Perry (68) and Tahlia McGrath (57) scoring valuable half-centuries and Ashley Gardner (48 not out from just 18 balls) putting the finishing touches late. Stirred by the Australian bat.
But it was with the ball that the Aussie really shone, as teenager Darcy Brown (3/22) ripped up New Zealand’s top order and Amanda-Jade Wellington (2/34) and Gardner (2/15) took the polish. turned on. An impressive team performance.
The result sees Australia finish at the top of the tournament standings with three wins from as many matches, while New Zealand are fourth and battle to reach the semi-finals.
It was Perry who began to rot through defending captain Sophie Devine (6) in the hosts’ fifth over, before Brown asserted himself on the international stage with the big scalp of leading batsmen Amelia Kerr ( 1 ). and Suzy Bates (16).
McGrath snapped into action to dismiss Maddie Greene shortly afterwards and the game was as good when Brown dismissed Frances McKay for one run and left the White Ferns behind at 35/5.
Veteran all-rounder Satterthwaite showed some struggle for the hosts with a scintillating innings, but it fell short as Australia made it home easy.
Earlier, Perry and McGrath put on a 101 for the fifth wicket as Australia overcame the loss of three early wickets and propelled Lee Taihu (3/52) to post a respectable total.
It looked as if Australia were going to score low but Perry and McGrath’s pace in the middle overs and some late strikes from Gardner dented Australia’s pace.
Perry and McGrath’s partnership was the key to Australia’s innings and it produced a brilliant performance in the field to break the valuable stand from Maddie Green.
All-rounder Perry lifted Tahuhu into the deep, only to see the green sprint to his left and take an excellent diving catch that excited the good-sized crowd and put them on their feet.
McGrath followed shortly after, before Gardner hit late – which included consecutive sixes off Hannah Rowe and a total of four – scoring some valuable extra runs on the board.
Brief Scores: Australia 269/8 in 50 overs (Rachel Haynes 30, Ellyse Perry 68, Beth Mooney 30, Tahlia McGrath 57, Ashley Gardner 48 not out; Lee Taihu 3/53) beat New Zealand 128 in 30.2 overs (Amy Satterthwaite) 44) Darcy Brown 3/22, Ashley Gardner 2/15) by 141 runs.
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