The Australian women’s cricket team, led by stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath, continued their winning streak after a dominant whitewash over India earlier this month. Now as visitors in New Zealand, Australia faced off against the hosts in a three-match ODI series from December 19 to 23, 2024.
The series opener was washed out without a ball being bowled, but the second ODI at Basin Reserve, Wellington, saw a stellar performance by Australia. Regular skipper Alyssa Healy returned from injury, and 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Isabella James made her debut.
Annabel Sutherland’s Century Guides Australia to 291
After New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine opted to field first, Australian openers Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy gave their team a solid start with a 43-run partnership. However, Molly Penfold dismissed Healy for 34 to provide the first breakthrough.
Consistent contributions from the middle order helped Australia maintain momentum, with Annabel Sutherland anchoring the innings. Her unbeaten 105 off 81 balls marked her third ODI century and second consecutive century in this series. Key partnerships included a 50-run stand with Ashleigh Gardner and a 51-run stand with Tahlia McGrath.
🚨 WORLD RECORD!! 🚨
Annabel Sutherland becomes the first woman in ODI history to score back-to-back centuries while batting at #5 or lower, achieving the milestone in just 78 balls.#CricketTwitter #NZvAUS via: @_hypocaust pic.twitter.com/FZs8WANSEG
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 21, 2024
Other notable performances came from Tahlia McGrath (34 off 30 balls), Alyssa Healy (34 off 32 balls), Ellyse Perry (29 off 42 balls), and Phoebe Litchfield (25 off 39 balls). Molly Penfold was the standout bowler for New Zealand, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 42.
Rain Cuts New Zealand’s Chase Short
In pursuit of 291, New Zealand openers Suzie Bates and debutant Isabella James cautiously built a 22-run partnership before Kim Garth dismissed Bates. New Zealand’s innings faltered as they lost four quick wickets for just 44 runs.
Amelia Kerr (38 off 55 balls) and Maddy Green (26 off 41 balls) fought back with a 35-run partnership, but Kerr’s run-out dealt a significant blow. Lauren Down joined Green before rain interrupted the game in the 31st over. New Zealand, trailing the DLS par score by 65 runs, was handed a defeat.
Key Performances
For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, and Isabella James made notable contributions with the bat, while Molly Penfold excelled with the ball. For Australia, Kim Garth shone with figures of 2 for 17, while Annabel Sutherland, Darcie Brown, and Ashleigh Gardner kept the pressure on with economical spells.
Player of the Match
Annabel Sutherland’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award. Her unbeaten 105 and economical bowling were instrumental in Australia taking a 1-0 series lead in the three-match ODI series.
Australia and New Zealand will now look forward to the series decider, with both teams aiming to deliver a strong performance.
Loves all things female cricket
