Ellyse Perry, Tahila McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner’s impressive all-round display powered Australia to a crushing 141-run win over New Zealand, their third consecutive, in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup here on Sunday.
Perry (68 off 86) and McGrath (57 off 56) hit fine half-centuries before Gardner played a 18-ball 48-run cameo to help Australia post a challenging 269 for eight after being asked to bat.
Defending the target, Australia dished out a cohesive bowling effort to bowl out New Zealand for 128 in 30.2 overs. Darcie Brown (3/22) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia while Amanda-Jade Wellington (2/34), Gardner (2/15), Perry (1/18), McGrath (1/17) and Megan Schutt (1/22) provided the perfect support from the other end.
With three wins from as many matches, Australia displaced India from the top of the eight-team standings with six points.
Sent into bat, the opening pair of Rachel Haynes (30) and Alyssa Healy (15) shared 37 runs in 9.5 overs as Australia made a sedate start.
Australia were dealt twin blows soon when skipper Meg Lanning (5) and Healy departed in quick succession. Perry and Beth Mooney (30) then stabilised the innings with a 57-run fourth-wicket stand before the latter perished.
Brief scores: Australia Women 269/8 in 50 overs (E. Perry 68, T. McGrath 57). New Zealand Women: 128 all out in 30.2 overs (D. Brown 3/22, A. Gardner 2/15). Australia Women won by 141 runs.
