Australia’s winning streak continues
Australia’s record ODI cricket winning streak continued yesterday, even in a shorter format. With their 50-over clash against the White Ferns reduced to 25 overs a side because of rain in Mt Maunganui, Australia claimed their 24th consecutive win with a 21-run triumph. Australia made 149-7 batting first, with a strong start from Alyssa Healy (46 off 39 balls) and Beth Mooney (28 off 26) allowing the visitors breathing room after Leigh Kasperek took a superb triple-wicket maiden in the 12th over. In response, opener Hayley Jensen (13 off 29) stalled the White Ferns’ chase and they never caught up with the asking rate, finishing on 128-9 as No 9 Lea Tahuhu top-scored with an unbeaten 21 off 13. Inexcusably, none of the White Ferns top six had a strike rate over 100, as Australia sealed a simple 3-0 series sweep.