DODGY CALL HELPS AUSSIES IN ROMP
IT WASN’T quite as controversial as the underarm saga of more than 40 years ago, but transTasman relations could take a bit of a hit after a contentious catch and a stunning spell helped Australia smash New Zealand in their T20 World Cup opener.
The two-time defending champs were always on track for a big victory after Megan Schutt removed both openers for golden ducks in the first over in response to Australia’s 9/173. But the underdogs had got their innings back on track with a handy little partnership when controversy struck to leave them reeling at 3-26.
Bernadine Bezuidenhout had already struck three boundaries when she mistimed an Ellyse Perry delivery towards Darcie Brown at mid-off.
The speedster went forward and appeared to collect the ball just after it bounced, with none of the fielders overly confident as they politely appealed to the umpires who sent it upstairs with a soft signal of not out.
It was close but replays suggested the ball had just bounced before Brown got her fingers under it, however the third umpire saw it very differently and flashed the red light within seconds.
“It just looked like it was on the half-volley,” former New Zealand wicketkeeper Katey Martin said.
New Zealand crumbled with the bat after that to be all out for 76 with Ashleigh Gardner the chief destroyer taking career-best figures of 5-12. “We started the exact way we wanted to, and I was lucky enough to take those wickets at the end,” the offspinner said after she was named player of the match.
Beth Mooney was sent packing for a duck in the first over of the match, but Alyssa Healy (55), Meg Lanning (41) and Perry (40) went on to bludgeon the Kiwi bowling without breaking a sweat.
And it’s why all three women can expect a huge payday at the Women’s Premier League auction on Monday night.