After registering a terrific 33-victory over New Zealand, Australia became the first team to qualify for the semi-final in the ongoing Women’s World T20 on Wednesday. At the same time, it was the second consecutive loss for the White Ferns as they have already lost to India in the tournament opener and currently reeling at the bottom of the points table.
After opting to bat first, the Aussie opening pair of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney got off to a blazing start. Healy top-scored with 53, but should have returned to the dressing room when on 11, but Amelia Kerr dropped a simple catch at cover.
That dropped catch made the New Zealand women pay a huge price as the Aussie opener went on to crack eight fours in a 38-ball 53 before her wicket sprung off a collapse. Australia from 99/2 rose to 122/5 in 3.3 overs to shatter the Kiwi hopes. Towards the end, an 18-ball 29 powered Australia with 153/7 by the end of 20 overs.
New Zealand bowler Leigh Kasperek picked up 3 wickets in her spell of 4 overs while Sophie Devine and Anna Peterson bagged 2 and 1 scalps respectively.
In reply, New Zealand faced continuous blow at the beginning, getting reduced to 13/3 in the first three overs. Suzie Bates remained the lone warrior who withstood the Aussies bowling attack amid the continuous fall of wickets. New Zealand folded for 120 for a 33-run defeat.
Australia currently lead the Group B (with three wins and 6 points) followed by India who also haven’t lost a game so far.
The White Ferns have two more games to play, against Pakistan and Ireland.