NZW vs AUSW T20: Australia Crushes New Zealand as Beth Mooney & Georgia Voll Shine with Fiery Fifties: The New Zealand team scored 137 runs in 20 overs. In reply, Australia achieved this target by eight wickets with 39 balls remaining.
Auckland, 21 March (Correspondent)
Australia Women kicked off their T20I series against New Zealand in style, securing a commanding eight-wicket victory with 39 balls to spare in the first match on Friday. Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll were the stars of the show, delivering fiery fifties to guide their team to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Australia’s Chase: A Masterclass in Batting
Chasing a modest target of 138, Australia’s opening duo of Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll set the tone with a blistering 123-run partnership. Mooney was in sublime form, smashing 75 runs off just 42 balls, including 10 fours and a six. Her aggressive yet composed innings laid the foundation for Australia’s dominance.
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New Zealand’s Lee Tahuhu finally broke the partnership in the 11th over, dismissing Mooney. Tahuhu struck again in the 13th over, sending Phoebe Litchfield (2) back to the pavilion. However, Georgia Voll remained unbeaten on 50 off 31 balls, hitting nine fours, and guided Australia to victory alongside Ellyse Perry (3*). The visitors reached the target in just 13.3 overs, finishing at 138/2.
New Zealand’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier in the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. However, their innings got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers, Suzie Bates (14) and Georgia Plimer (27), with the score at 47. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine then stepped up, stabilizing the innings with a cautious yet aggressive partnership.
Kerr remained unbeaten on 51 off 46 balls, including five fours, while Devine contributed 39* off 36 balls, also hitting five boundaries. Despite their efforts, New Zealand could only manage 137/3 in their 20 overs. Darcy Brown and Tahlia McGrath were the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming one wicket each.
Key Takeaways (NZW vs AUSW T20: Australia Crushes New Zealand as Beth Mooney & Georgia Voll Shine with Fiery Fifties)
- Beth Mooney’s Explosive 75: A match-defining innings that set the tone for Australia’s chase.
- Georgia Voll’s Unbeaten 50: A composed and aggressive knock to seal the victory.
- Lee Tahuhu’s Double Strike: The lone bright spot for New Zealand, dismissing Mooney and Litchfield.
- Amelia Kerr’s Fighting 51*: A valiant effort to anchor New Zealand’s innings.
With this emphatic win, Australia Women have taken an early lead in the series, leaving New Zealand with plenty to ponder ahead of the next T20I. The two teams will meet again soon, and New Zealand will be eager to bounce back.
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