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New Zealand lost regular wickets in the second innings to fall short of the DLS target by 65 runs.
Australia Women Cricket Team (Representative photo) (Getty Images)
All-rounder Annabel Sutherland hit a brilliant century as Australia moved closer to winning a third consecutive ICC Women’s Championship title through a 65-run victory via DLS method over New Zealand in the second ODI at Basin Reserve on Saturday.
After hitting a stunning century in the final ODI against India at Perth, Annabel made it back-to-back centuries by being unbeaten on 105 off just 81 deliveries, laced with 11 fours and two sixes at a strike-rate of 129.63.
No other Australian batter touched 35 runs, making her knock particularly important. Kiwi pacer Molly Penfold picked her career-best ODI figures of 4/42, but it wasn’t enough as Australia posted a substantial total of 291/7. New Zealand tried six other bowlers, too, but only Eden Carson (2/65) and Rosemary Mair (1/56) came back with wickets to their names.
In the second innings, Kim Garth dismissed openers, Suzie Bates and Bella Jones, before Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday and Amelia Kerr fell in regular intervals to leave New Zealand in tatters at 131/5 in 30.1 overs. They were 65 runs behind the DLS-par score when rain interrupted play.
Kerr was the only other batter to cross 35 runs in the match. She reached 38 (55) with the help of three boundaries but the combination of Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney ran her out.
The rain eventually handed Australia a victory via the DLS method, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series, with the final game scheduled to be held on Monday.
Saturday’s win also lifted Australia to 37 points in the ICC Women’s Championship standings. India, with 25 points, remains the only team capable of matching up to Australia. For that to happen, the Women in Blue must win all six of their remaining matches in the cycle – three each against the West Indies and Ireland respectively.
India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, will play their series opener against the West Indies at the Kotambi Cricket Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday. They will also need New Zealand to upset Australia in Monday’s game. But any other outcome, including a tie or draw, will help Australia clinch their third consecutive ICC Women’s Championship title.
Brief Scores: Australia 291/7 (Annabel Sutherland 105 not out; Molly Penfold 4-42) beat New Zealand 122/5 (Amelia Kerr 38; Kim Garth 2-17) by 65 runs via DLS method.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – IANS)
