Australian Women Achieve 3-0 T20I Series Victory Over New Zealand

Synopsis

In a gripping encounter at the Sky Stadium, Australia Women secured a thrilling eight-run win against New Zealand, thus clinching the T20I series with a perfect 3-0 scoreline. Key performances by Georgia Voll, Maddy Green, and Amelia Kerr marked this intense finale.

Key Takeaways

Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep.
Georgia Voll scored a remarkable 75 runs.
Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr offered a strong fightback.
Annabel Sutherland's over was crucial for the win.
New Zealand fell just short at 172 runs.

Wellington, March 26 (NationPress) Australia maintained their composure to clinch a thrilling eight-run win against New Zealand, achieving a comprehensive 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series at the Sky Stadium.

Despite commendable performances from Maddy Green (62 off 36) and Amelia Kerr (66 off 50), New Zealand narrowly missed their target as Annabel Sutherland’s pivotal 19th over secured Australia’s supremacy.

Choosing to bowl first, New Zealand had an ideal chance to challenge Australia, but an abysmal display in the field proved detrimental. Georgia Voll, who was dropped six times, capitalized on her fortune, setting the stage for Australia’s 4-180 with her impressive 75 runs off 55 balls.

She formed a 64-run opening partnership with Beth Mooney (21 off 15) before Mooney was dismissed. Although she faced difficulties in the early stages, Voll found her groove during the middle overs, particularly after being dropped on 13, 19, 62, and 63.

Phoebe Litchfield contributed a quick 26 off 16 before Voll was caught by Suzie Bates. Ellyse Perry (32 not out) and Tahlia McGrath (14 not out) finished strongly as the visitors posted 180/4.

While chasing 181, New Zealand lost Suzie Bates for 7 in the opening over to Megan Schutt. Georgia Plimmer followed shortly, and Bella James’ debut innings concluded at 14. Sophie Devine struggled before getting caught at deep midwicket off Georgia Wareham. By the ninth over, New Zealand found themselves at 54/4.

With 127 runs needed from 71 balls, Maddy Green launched an assault against the Australian bowlers and reached her maiden T20I fifty in just 29 balls. Meanwhile, Amelia Kerr played a stabilizing role, and the pair constructed a 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The momentum shifted dramatically when Green went on a hitting spree, clearing the boundary four times in seven deliveries, reducing the target to 28 runs off 15 balls.

However, just as New Zealand appeared to be in control, Wareham executed a stunning run-out of Green with a direct hit from deep midwicket. With 20 runs required off the last two overs, Sutherland delivered a match-changing over, taking out Jess Kerr and Amelia Kerr in quick succession. New Zealand’s chase effectively ended as Brooke Halliday was unable to bat due to an injury incurred while fielding. Despite some late runs, New Zealand could only reach 172/8, falling short by eight runs.

Brief scores: Australia Women 180/4 in 20 overs (Georgia Voll 75, Ellyse Perry 32; Sophie Devine 1-30, Rosemary Mair 1-29) defeated New Zealand Women 172/8 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 66, Maddy Green 62; Annabel Sutherland 4-35, Megan Schutt 2-42) by eight runs.