With back-to-back victories, hosts Australia have clinched the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand. However, the dead-rubber third T20I remains a vital match for the visitors, who seek a win to boost their confidence ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, set to begin early next month.
Opting to bat first in the second T20I, hosts Australia got off to a solid start, with runs flowing from the blades of Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy. However, young Fran Jonas made a key breakthrough by dismissing the experienced Mooney for 10 (7). Undeterred, Ellyse Perry joined Healy to build on the 28-run opening partnership, and together they forged a 43-run stand, which ended with Healy departing for 38 (25). New Zealand capitalized on the momentum shift shortly after, as a fortuitous run-out saw Perry depart for 34 (33).
Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield attempted a recovery for Australia, but their partnership yielded only 23 runs before both were dismissed on consecutive deliveries, leaving Australia in a precarious position at 5/114 in 15.1 overs. Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham managed a 16-run partnership, but following Wareham’s departure, Australia lost three wickets in the next over, collapsing to 138 for 9 before being bowled out for 142 in 19.3 overs. Amelia Kerr was the standout performer for New Zealand, producing her T20I best of 4/20, while Brooke Halliday claimed two wickets, with Lea Tahuhu, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson each contributing one.
New Zealand’s chase began on a strong note with a 37-run opening partnership led by Suzie Bates, while Georgia Plimmer contributed 9 (16). Amelia Kerr struggled to find her form, scoring just 6 (11), and Bates departed soon after with a run-a-ball 34. The innings took a downturn as Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday fell quickly for 4 and 11 runs, respectively, leaving New Zealand at 5/75 in 14.1 overs. Maddy Green’s arrival injected some resilience into the innings as she began to rebuild alongside Isabella Gaze, but not at the required rate.
The pair shared a 35-run stand that ended with Green’s dismissal for 22 (18), pushing New Zealand’s total to 108. Gaze remained unbeaten on 18 (17), as Australia’s economical bowling restricted New Zealand to 113/7, securing a 29-run victory. Ashleigh Gardner led the way with impressive figures of 3/17 (4), while Darcie Brown, Annabel Sutherland, and Georgia Wareham each took a wicket. Following a confident 5-wicket win in the season opener, this remarkable 29-run victory allowed Australia to clinch the series.
New Zealand has secured just one win in their last 10 T20Is and will be eager to avoid another clean sweep. For Australia, the series win is a significant confidence boost as they prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title and will be aiming for another clean win in the third T20I at Allan Border Field, Brisbane.
Where to watch Australia v New Zealand?
Cricket fans can catch the live telecast of the Australia vs. New Zealand 3rd T20I starting at 2:40 PM on the Star Sports Network. For those who prefer to stream the game online, it will be available on Disney+ Hotstar.
Squads:
Australia: Alyssa Healy (C), Tahlia McGrath, Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla Vlaeminck
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Series schedule:
First T20I: September 19, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 7:10 PM (local) – Australia won by 5 wickets
Second T20I: September 22, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay, 7:10 PM (local) – Australia won by 29 runs
Third T20I: September 24, Allan Border Field, Brisbane, 7:10 PM (local)
Broadcast and live streaming details:
For fans in India:
The game will be telecast by the Star Sports Network and live streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
For fans in Australia:
The game will be telecast by Channel 7 and live streamed on Kayo.