New Zealand Women Wins Against Australia Women In Warm-up Match

Warm-up matches are no ordinary matches. Through these matches, teams usher to the big stage.

The Women’s World Cup is on its way and we have already seen some dominant style, as well as competitive cricket in the warm-up matches.

The Women’s World Cup will be played at a number of parks in New Zealand. The white ferns had a wonderful series against India before finding their way to the World Cup 2022. They are advancing on a similar path and thrashed Australia in a warm match.

Pre-tournament favourites Australia were startled by hosts New Zealand’s overwhelming nine-win triumph in their warm-up match prior to the Women’s World Cup.

Australia, tournament favourites, scored 321 in 50 overs which was one sidedly chased down by New Zealand in 43 overs. They chased the big total with the loss of only one wicket which makes their performance significant and stand out.

Batting first, Australia women started on a positive note, scoring 100 runs in the first 20 overs and lost only one wicket. They batted aggressively throughout the innings and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

However, the scoring rate and innings of Alyssa Healy (64 off 71 balls), Ashleigh Gardner (60 off 32 balls), Meg Lanning (87 off 86 balls) and Beth Mooney (55 off 51 balls) helped Australia to post a total of 321 runs.

For New Zealand, Hannah Rowe bagged 4 wickets and bowled economically, conceding only 49 runs. Captain Sophie Devine took 2 wickets.

The defendable target of 322 brought no relief for Australia women. As the second innings proceeded, the match kept drifting away from them. The veterans Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine established a fast forward 119 runs partnership for the first wicket in 20 overs.

The only successful Australian bowler was Alana King who bagged Suzie Bates’s wicket. The rest of the bowling unit appeared helpless as New Zealand cruised to the victory.

Captain Sophie Devine scored a wonderful century. Her 161 off 117 balls paved the way for New Zealand victory. Her second wicket partner, Amelia Kerr, scored 92 off 75 balls.

New Zealand is looking in solid form and they are already one step ahead in utilising the home conditions. Most of the teams find it difficult to challenge New Zealand in New Zealand.