Australia Women eased to a six wicket win over New Zealand Women with 18.3 overs to spare in the second encounter of the reconvened Rose Bowl series in Brisbane. The eight-match limited-overs series, which was called off mid-way following the Christchurch earthquake in February, now stands at 3-2 in favour of Australia. With just one game left to play New Zealand can, at most, draw the series, meaning Australia who currently hold the trophy have retained the Rose Bowl title.
Choosing to field, Australia rocked the visitors early, with Clea Smith claiming Lucy Doolan and Suzie Bates for ducks. Debutant opener Frances Mackay was patient to the point of being overcautious in her knock of 36 from 77 balls, but turned out to be New Zealand's top scorer, as Australia knocked wickets over at regular wickets. Smith snagged two more, to finish with 4 for 32, while offspinner Lisa Sthalekar troubled the lower middle order with figures of 3 for 37.
Chasing 182, Australia lost Meg Lanning cheaply. A 106-run stand between Player-of-the-Match Shelley Nitschke (she had earlier claimed two wickets at a miserly economy rate of 2.40 in her ten) and Leah Poulton followed, almost sealing the match.
The hosts suffered a hiccup, losing three wickets on 122, but Jess Cameron counterattacked with 37 off 29, to see Australia home comfortably.
Australia captain Jodie Fields her team showed positive intent from the outset. "We wanted to play some smart, positive cricket," she said.
"The plan was to get out on the field early and to get rid of some of those nerves and cobwebs, and I think we showed our intent right from the start. "The wicket was slightly slow but the outfield was probably quicker than we thought it was going to be."The final game is on June 16 at the same venue.
Choosing to field, Australia rocked the visitors early, with Clea Smith claiming Lucy Doolan and Suzie Bates for ducks. Debutant opener Frances Mackay was patient to the point of being overcautious in her knock of 36 from 77 balls, but turned out to be New Zealand's top scorer, as Australia knocked wickets over at regular wickets. Smith snagged two more, to finish with 4 for 32, while offspinner Lisa Sthalekar troubled the lower middle order with figures of 3 for 37.
Chasing 182, Australia lost Meg Lanning cheaply. A 106-run stand between Player-of-the-Match Shelley Nitschke (she had earlier claimed two wickets at a miserly economy rate of 2.40 in her ten) and Leah Poulton followed, almost sealing the match.
The hosts suffered a hiccup, losing three wickets on 122, but Jess Cameron counterattacked with 37 off 29, to see Australia home comfortably.
Australia captain Jodie Fields her team showed positive intent from the outset. "We wanted to play some smart, positive cricket," she said.
"The plan was to get out on the field early and to get rid of some of those nerves and cobwebs, and I think we showed our intent right from the start. "The wicket was slightly slow but the outfield was probably quicker than we thought it was going to be."The final game is on June 16 at the same venue.
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