Australia secured their third consecutive victory in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup after they thrashed hosts New Zealand by 141 runs, on March 13 (Sunday) and with this victory Australia regained top spot in the standings.
A solid total
Batting first, Australia scored a solid total of 269 runs losing eight wickets, in 50 overs. Ellyse Perry (68 runs off 86 balls) and Tahlia McGrath (57 runs off 56 deliveries) showed their brilliant batting skills to help their side in reaching a formidable total. Later, Ashleigh Gardner scored a quick-fire 48 (not out) off just 18 balls to take her side to a defendable total. Gardner’s innings was comprised of 4 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Australia team could have scored more but due to a batting collapse they lost their last four wickets within a span of just 39 runs.
For New Zealand, their right-arm fast bowler Lea Tahuhu picked up three wickets conceding 53 runs in 9 overs. Other New Zealand bowlers- Hannah Rowe, Frances Mackay, Hayley Jensen and Amelia Kerr bagged one wicket each.
New Zealand batting
In reply, the hosts started their batting on a terrible note as they lost their first five batters scoring just 35 runs. New Zealand batter Amy Satterthwaite (44 runs off 67 balls) showed some resilient batting but eventually her efforts turned out to be futile.
Apart from Satterthwaite, only three other New Zealand batters- Suzie Bates (16 runs off 28 balls), wicketkeeper Katey Martin (19 runs off 27 deliveries) and Lea Tahuhu (23 runs off 25 balls) managed to reach the double-digit mark.
Australia’s 19-year-old right-arm fast bowler Darcie Brown picked up three wickets to bundle out the opposition team within a paltry total of 128 runs.
Apart from Brown, two other Australia bowlers- Amanda-Jade Wellington and Ashleigh Gardner bagged two wickets each. On the other hand, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry and Megan Schutt claimed one wicket each.
Australia’s 31-year-old Perry was adjudged as the Player of the Match for her superb all-round efforts.
With this win Australia remain at the top spot as New Zealand are currently at fourth position with two wins and two defeats. Australia on the other hand, have managed to win all their three matches in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup.
