Australia has extended its ODI dominance by beating New Zealand by six wickets in the first One Day International at Mount Maunganui.
Australia now has a winning streak of 22, overtaking Ricky Ponting’s 2003 men’s side for the longest run of victories in any form of international cricket.
Half-centuries from Alyssa Healy (65) and Ellyse Perry (56), plus a big six from Ashleigh Gardiner (53) off the final ball to clinch the win helped Australia knock off the runs in 38.3 overs.
Megan Schutt took 4-32 and Nicola Carey 3-34 as Australia restricted New Zealand to 212 all out, despite opener Lauren Down’s 134-ball 90.
Schutt struck with her first ball of the match, dismissing Hayley Jensen for a golden duck with a hooping delivery that swung a mile from outside off to dislodge the bail on the top of leg stump.
Down and stand-in skipper Amy Satterthwaite (32) settled the hosts with a second-wicket stand of 69 before picking out Schutt off the bowling of Carey.
Amelia Kerr (33) then combined with Down for a 90-run partnership before being stumped by Healy off Schutt’s bowling.
Wickets then fell regularly as Katey Martin (1) was run out by Jess Jonassen and then Down was caught and bowled by Carey.
More to come.
