Reigning Women’s Cricket World Cup champions Australia are on course to secure their third consecutive ICC Women’s title after defeating New Zealand in the second ODI on Saturday.
Australia’s 65-run victory over White Ferns (via DLS method) in the second ODI took their points to 37 points in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, according to ICC data.
With 25 points, India remains the only team capable of catching Australia. To do that, they must win all six remaining games of the cycle – three against West Indies and three against Ireland – starting with the opener against West Indies on Sunday.
Additionally, India also needs New Zealand to beat Australia in the final ODI of the series. Any other result – even a draw or draw – would have sealed victory for Australia, giving them a third consecutive International ICC Women’s Championship title. This will further cement their dominance as they have won every edition of the competition since its inception.
Annabel Sutherland played an important role in Australia’s victory in the second ODI after the series opener in Wellington was called off due to heavy rain.
In the final ODI against India, Sutherland scored his second consecutive wicket, finishing with an unbeaten 105 off 81 deliveries with 11 fours and two sixes. While several Australian batsmen got off to a good start, Sutherland went on to surpass the 50- and 100-run milestones. Captain Alyssa Healy (34 off 32 balls, 7 fours), Tahlia McGrath (34 off 30 balls, 6 fours) and Ellyse Perry (29 off 42 balls with 4 fours) also starred with some handy batting.
Molly Penfold’s ODI figures were her career-high 4/42, but it was not enough to stop Australia from posting a stunning total of 291/7. Kim Garth set the tone for Australia when he struck early in the Powerplay, dismissing openers Suzie Bates (4) and Bella Jones Jones) (27 off 33 balls, including two fours and one six). Melie Kerr hit 38 off 55 balls with three fours but lost Sophie Devine and Brooke Haley during her stay at the crease Brooke Halliday.
Kerr’s dismissal in the 28th over left New Zealand at 122/5 in 30.1 overs, still 65 runs behind the DLS par score when rain disrupted play.
With no further action possible, rain ultimately decided the outcome, with Australia claiming victory via DLS method. The win gives them a 1-0 lead in the series, with the final ODI scheduled to be played on Monday, December 23.