Australia Secures T20 Series Victory Over New Zealand with 29-Run Win
Australia has decisively clinched the T20 series against New Zealand with a game to spare, marking the Kiwis’ ninth consecutive loss in this format.
New Zealand entered the match hopeful of ending their losing streak after they triggered a collapse of 7 wickets for just 28 runs, bowling Australia out for 142 in the 20th over during the match in Mackay on Sunday night. However, the visitors struggled in their chase, managing only 113 runs from their 20 overs after a steady, wicketless start in the first six overs.
This 29-run victory follows Australia’s comfortable five-wicket win in the series opener on Thursday. Ashleigh Gardner made a successful return, taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs in four overs, while captain Alyssa Healy provided a crucial contribution with 38 runs off 25 balls.
New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr delivered her career-best performance with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs. Her efforts provided the Kiwis with a glimmer of hope after she dismissed Gardner and took three wickets in her final over, despite Healy and Ellyse Perry (34 off 33) looking solid early on.
Australia’s bowlers capitalized on key dismissals, with Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Molineux taking sharp catches to send Suzie Bates (34 off 34) and Sophie Devin (4 off 10) back to the pavilion. However, there were a few missed opportunities, including a dropped catch by Megan Schutt and some potential run-outs that went unconverted.
Perry’s dismissal was particularly memorable, as she was run out after taking off for a run following being struck on the toe.
The series will conclude at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field on Tuesday before both teams head to the UAE for next month’s World Cup.
Australian allrounder Annabel Sutherland reflected on the match, saying, “It might not have been the prettiest win, but it’s important for our preparations for what’s ahead. I’m proud of how the team came together and found a way to secure a comfortable victory in the end. We didn’t reach the total we aimed for, but a win is a win.”
