Australia secured a thrilling eight-run victory over New Zealand in Wellington, completing a 3-0 series sweep despite a stunning fightback from Maddy Green. The home side’s hopes were hampered by poor fielding, as they dropped Georgia Voll six times, allowing her to score a crucial 75 runs.
Australia Sets a Challenging Target
After being asked to bat first, Australia posted a formidable 180 for 4. Georgia Voll, who was dropped multiple times, capitalized on her fortune to anchor the innings. She shared a 64-run opening stand with Beth Mooney and added another 54 runs with Phoebe Litchfield. Voll’s half-century came off 44 deliveries, and while her innings was not entirely fluent, her ability to survive repeated chances proved pivotal.
Ellyse Perry provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 32 off 19 balls, while captain Tahlia McGrath contributed 14 from just five deliveries. Australia’s innings gained momentum in the latter half, with 109 runs coming from the final ten overs.
New Zealand’s sloppy fielding began early, with Jess Kerr missing a return catch in the first over. Simple chances were also dropped by Green at mid-on when Voll was on 13, and Rosemary Mair at long-off, allowing Voll to continue her innings. Despite the missed opportunities, Mair eventually held on to a swirling chance to dismiss Annabel Sutherland.
Megan Schutt Makes History as New Zealand Falters Early
New Zealand’s chase began in unusual fashion when Megan Schutt’s first delivery slipped from her hand, resulting in a no-ball. However, Schutt quickly found her rhythm, removing Suzie Bates to become the first woman to claim 150 T20I wickets.
Georgia Plimmer was dismissed in Schutt’s next over, and debutant Bella James fell to a mistimed pull shot against Sutherland. The home side was struggling at 54 for 4 when Sophie Devine departed in the ninth over, leaving them needing 127 runs from the remaining 71 balls.
Maddy Green Sparks a Fightback
Maddy Green revived New Zealand’s hopes with a blistering 29-ball fifty, her first in T20 internationals. She smashed five sixes and combined with Amelia Kerr for a record-breaking 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Green’s aggressive hitting narrowed the target to 28 runs from the final 15 deliveries.
However, a brilliant piece of fielding by Georgia Wareham turned the game back in Australia’s favor. Wareham executed a direct hit from deep midwicket to dismiss Green, shortly after missing a return catch from Kerr.
Sutherland’s Late Burst Seals the Win
Annabel Sutherland’s three-wicket burst in the penultimate over effectively ended New Zealand’s challenge. Wareham played a key role in the field again, taking two crucial catches to dismiss both Jess Kerr and Amelia Kerr. With 20 runs needed from the final over and Brooke Halliday unable to bat due to an injury, Australia’s victory was all but secured.
Fielding Woes Cost New Zealand
The narrow eight-run margin underscored how costly New Zealand’s fielding errors were. Georgia Voll, who should have been dismissed multiple times, admitted her luck played a major role.
“I think I’m going to head to the Lotto store and buy one after this game,” she joked during the innings break.
Despite Green’s heroic effort, Australia’s depth and composure under pressure ensured they extended their dominance over the reigning T20I world champions. This series sweep further cements Australia’s reputation as the powerhouse of women’s cricket.
