Women’s cricket in Australian Island seems to have started. Australia is hosting White Ferns and their first interaction was much awaited for fans around the globe. While the Aussies got the important win, the road to home was not easy for women in Yellow.
While batting first, Aussies were left unsteady. Openers Healy and Mooney went out for 6 and 2 respectively. The job was onto the experienced middle-order to take the side home by getting a respectable total on the board. Lanning, as the skipper, was quick to the task and read the game well. She got 24 off 28 balls and made sure that New Zealand could not open a door for themselves in the match by getting wickets constantly.
Winning Start for Australia as they defeat New Zealand by 17 runs in the 1st T20I #AUSvNZ #AUSWvNZW pic.twitter.com/789Yktr1lb
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 26, 2020
She was well supported by Haynes on the other end who got 23 runs off 18 deliveries. Ashleigh Gardner was the savior of the day for Aussies. She got herself 61 in 41 balls. Her power-packed inning had 6 fours and 3 maximums. Aussies reached a total of 138 in their 20 overs. It was Devine only who was effective with the ball as she got three dismissals to her name.
Ashleigh Gardner helped Australia put enough runs on the board, thanks to her Half-Century.
She was adjudged Player of the Match for her 61 in just 41 Balls.
Australia Women: 138/6 (20)
New Zealand: 121/7 (20)#AUSvNZ #AUSWvNZW pic.twitter.com/jzRGulg8y3— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 26, 2020
Bates, Tahuhu, and Mair got one wicket each. Chasing a total of 139, White Ferns lacked partnerships throughout their game. Only three of their batters could cross above the double-digit mark. Devine was looking steady with her 29 but could not utilize the time she spent on the crease. Bates, too, went onto 33 and was looking set to guide her side home but lacked a solid partner at the other end. She was dismissed off 33 from 38 balls. Martin got a good 21 off 16 before she was stumped off Schutt. Schutt, with her memorable spell, got New Zealand batters on the backfoot. She ran through the middle order and total which felt comfortable became too much for New Zealand. In her four overs, Schutt got 4 wickets in exchange for 23 runs. Kimmince took two wickets as well.
Gardner got the player of the match award and the Aussies lead the series by 1-0 in three-match series. While players did look rusty, it is important to note that the resumption of the game is great for players and the game as well.
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