Australia women team Southern Stars wind up the three-match T20 series with a clinical finish in the final game at Manuka Oval in Canberra. It was bowlers who set up the game for Australia in the third game. Molineux and allrounder Ellyse Perry accounted for seven wickets for just 32 runs in their combined eight overs. Meg Lanning won the toss and opted to bowl first for the third time in the series. Suzie Bates started well for New Zealand but the Australian bowlers took the game away from them and restricted them to a below-par total as they were all out for 103 in 19 overs. Australia chased down the target in 12.3 overs powered by Alyssa Healy’s brilliant half-century.
Ellyse Perry’s player of the match performance was the highlight of the game as she destroyed the New Zeland batting line up with four wickets for 21 runs. Molineux provided excellent support from the other end with three wickets for 11 in her four overs. Both of them were on the brink of a hat-trick in their spell. None of the New Zealand batsmen were able to find the rhythm and form a big partnership. Katey Martin top scored with 35 for New Zealand women.
Alyssa Healy and Mooney added 98 runs for the first wicket in 11.4 overs as they send the New Zealand bowlers all over the park. Healy scored 67 off 44 balls with 12 fours and a six and was the only wicket to fell in Australia’s innings. Mooney and Gardner completed the chase in 12.3 overs as Australia sealed the series 3-0 with a nine wickets win.
Alyssa Healy is the player of the series for her brilliant half-centuries in the second and third game. Australia has dominated New Zealand in all departments of the game and will be high on confidence as they head towards the next series while New Zealand will have a lot to sort out in the coming days.
