AUSSIES IN SERIES WIN AGAINST NZ

HALF-CENTURIES from Alyssa Healy and Elyse Villani have propelled Australia to a drought-breaking T20 series win against 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 sixwicket win, following Saturday’s game one triumph at North Sydney Oval, gave Australia back-to-back T20 victories against New Zealand for the first time in almost seven years.

It also clinched their first series win against the White Ferns in the format over the same timespan.

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 1000run 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.

Picture: AFP Australia's Elyse Villani sweeps the ball during her decisive, undefeated half-century yesterday.