Annabel Sutherland Shines as Australia Approaches ICC Women’s Championship Glory
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Wellington, Dec 21 (NationPress) All-rounder Annabel Sutherland delivered a magnificent century, propelling Australia closer to securing a third consecutive ICC Women’s Championship title with a 65-run triumph via DLS method against New Zealand in the second ODI at Basin Reserve on Saturday.
Following an impressive century in the final ODI against India at Perth, Annabel achieved back-to-back centuries, remaining not out at 105 from just 81 balls, featuring 11 fours and 2 sixes at a strike-rate of 129.63.
The significance of her innings is underscored by the fact that none of the other Australian batters managed to score more than 35. Pacer Molly Penfold recorded her career-best ODI figures of 4/42, yet it wasn't sufficient as Australia set a total of 291/7.
Kim Garth took down openers Suzie Bates and Bella Jones, while Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, and Brooke Halliday fell quickly, leaving New Zealand struggling at 131/5 in 30.1 overs, trailing by 65 runs from the DLS-par score when rain halted play.
This led to Australia being awarded a victory via the DLS method, granting them a 1-0 lead in the series, with the final game set for Monday. Saturday's victory also elevated Australia to 37 points in the ICC Women’s Championship standings.
India, currently at 25 points, remains the only team capable of challenging Australia. To match them, India must win all six of their remaining matches in the cycle, three against West Indies and three against Ireland.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India will kick off against West Indies at Kotambi Cricket Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday. They will also require New Zealand to defeat Australia in Monday's match. However, any result other than a win for Australia, including a tie or draw, would secure Australia’s third consecutive ICC Women’s Championship title.
Brief Scores: Australia 291/7 (Annabel Sutherland 105 not out; Molly Penfold 4-42) defeated New Zealand 122/5 (Amelia Kerr 38; Kim Garth 2-17) by 65 runs via DLS method.
