AUSW Vs NZW, 1st T20I: Australia Women are off to a positive start in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand Women, as the hosts registered a thumping 5-wicket win on Thursday, thanks to an unbeaten half-century from ever-reliable Phoebe Litchfield.
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The Alyssa Healy-led side are up-and-running their preparations for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in UAE as Australia Women are the defending champions, and with today's win, they are now on a 5-match winning streak in the format, with their last defeat coming at the hands of South Africa Women on January 28, 2024.
Australia Women Vs New Zealand Women 1st T20I In A Nutshell
Electing to bat first, the visitors were off to a sluggish start as they were restricted to 44/3 in 7.1 overs, but made a good recovery via vital knocks from veteran Suzie Bates and Maddy Green, as New Zealand Women managed to reach 143/7 at the end of their innings.
Australia delivered on all fronts, as all six bowlers used picked a wicket each, with Megan Schutt registering an economy rate of less than six.
In reply, the home crowd at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay were left shell-shocked and stunned, as New Zealand Women picked wickets in quick succession to restrict Australia Women to 44/3.
Phoebe Litchfield stood out there in the middle as the lone warrior and was successful in her quest to guide the home side to a win, as her unbeaten 64 involved blistering strokes, and was rewarded with the Player of the Match.