Australia delivered yet another commanding performance in Mount Maunganui, crushing New Zealand by 82 runs to secure their first-ever women’s T20I series victory on New Zealand soil with a game to spare. Beth Mooney’s blistering 70 off 42 balls, combined with Annabel Sutherland’s fiery four-wicket haul and Alana King’s impactful return, ensured an emphatic win for the visitors.
Mooney Leads Batting Masterclass
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia piled on a mammoth 204 for 3, with every batter making meaningful contributions. Mooney was once again at the forefront, claiming Player-of-the-Match honors for her fourth 70-plus score in her last five T20Is.
Young Georgia Voll set the tone with a rapid 36 off 20 balls, smashing seven boundaries inside the powerplay. Although her aggressive knock was cut short by Sophie Devine’s bouncer, Mooney took charge, anchoring the innings alongside Phoebe Litchfield (32 off 29).
Ellyse Perry and Sutherland provided the finishing touches, adding 40 runs in the final three overs. Perry’s stylish unbeaten 29 off 15 included two breathtaking final-over boundaries, while Sutherland struck a massive six in her 23* off 15.
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Sutherland and King Rip Through New Zealand
Chasing 205, New Zealand’s hopes were dashed early when King bowled Suzie Bates in the second over. Sutherland then wrecked the top order, taking three wickets in her first seven deliveries, including Devine for a golden duck. By the seventh over, New Zealand were reeling at 45 for 4, with Sutherland boasting figures of 3 for 3.
Amelia Kerr (40 off 36) put up a fight, but wickets continued to tumble. King and Darcie Brown cleaned up the tail, with New Zealand losing their last five wickets for just 13 runs. Sutherland fittingly finished things off by dismantling Eden Carson’s stumps, capping off a career-best 4 for 8 from 2.1 overs.
With this dominant victory, Australia asserted their supremacy, leaving New Zealand searching for answers ahead of the final match of the series.
