Australia clinches women’s T20 series
HALF centuries from Alyssa Healy and Elyse Villani have propelled Australia to a drought-breaking T20 series win over New Zealand in Brisbane.
The reigning world champions coasted past the White Ferns insufficient 8-145 at Allan Border Field with seven balls to spare yesterday.
A second straight six-wicket win following Saturday’s game one triumph at North Sydney Oval, gave Australia back-to back T20 victories over New Zealand for the first time in almost seven years.
It also clinched their first series win over the White Ferns in the format over the same time span.
Villani sealed the triumph by reaching 50 from 39 deliveries with her fifth boundary.
Healy triggered the chase from the outset with a 10boundary 57 from 41 deliveries after opening partner Beth Mooney departed for a third ball duck.
Healy’s assault also enabled her to pass the 1000-run milestone in T20 internationals.
Villani added 57 with Healy and 50 with captain Meg Lanning (19), who was bowled by legspinner Amelia Kerr with two runs required.
“I definitely wanted to control the chase and be part of some big partnerships and see it through till the end,” Villani said.
“But I didn’t want to go into my shell in doing that either, I wanted to make sure I could be positive and show great intent.”
New Zealand threatened to post a more substantial target when Suzie Bates clobbered 77 from 52 balls but once she was caught at the wicket by Healy off the bowling of Ellyse Perry to end the 15th over, the visitors faltered.
The White Ferns could only muster 24 from their last five overs against some smart bowling.
Megan Schutt, the world No, 1 ranked T20 bowler, led the way, taking 3-15 to earn the player of the match award.
Delissa Kimmince made amends for dropping Bates on seven by recording economi- cal figures of 1-17 from her four over allocation.
Australia’s chase was comfortable although there was an element of controversy to Ashleigh Gardner’s dismissal for 16 when the score was 37.
Gardner was adjudged run out via Sophie Devine’s throw though replays suggested the bails were dislodged by wicketkeeper Katey Martin’s hip. Australia will now seek a clean sweep at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Friday.