Australia clinched a thrilling 8-run victory over New Zealand in Wellington, completing a 3-0 series whitewash in the T20I series. Despite a breathtaking counterattack from Maddy Green, New Zealand fell short, largely due to their poor fielding, where they dropped Georgia Voll six times—a costly mistake that proved decisive.
Match Turns Dramatic
New Zealand's chase looked bleak when skipper Sophie Devine fell in the 9th over, leaving them struggling at 54/4. Meanwhile, Australian pacer Megan Schutt made history by becoming the first woman to claim 150 T20I wickets. But just when it seemed like a one-sided contest, Maddy Green turned the game around with a 29-ball fifty, her first in T20Is.
Green, who struck five sixes, built a record 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Amelia Kerr, bringing New Zealand back into the game. With just 28 runs needed off 15 balls, the hosts had a real chance, but a stunning direct hit from Georgia Wareham dismissed Green, shifting the momentum back to Australia.
In the 19th over, Annabel Sutherland sealed the deal, taking three wickets in four balls. Wareham contributed with two crucial catches, dismissing Jess Kerr and Amelia Kerr, ensuring New Zealand needed 20 off the final over—a task made impossible as Brooke Halliday was unable to bat due to injury.
Voll Rides Her Luck
Earlier in the match, Georgia Voll, who was repeatedly dropped, played a crucial knock of 75 runs. She shared key partnerships—64 runs with Beth Mooney for the first wicket and 54 runs with Phoebe Litchfield for the second.
Australia finished strong with Ellyse Perry’s unbeaten 32 off 19 balls and captain Tahlia McGrath’s quick 14 off 5 balls, taking their total to 180/4. Their innings gained momentum in the second half, as they added 109 runs in the last 10 overs.
New Zealand’s poor fielding set the tone from the very first over when Jess Kerr dropped a tough return catch off Voll. Later, Maddy Green and Rosemary Mair missed simple chances, allowing Voll to reach her fifty in 44 balls.
Despite the dropped chances, New Zealand managed a few breakthroughs, including Mair’s stunning catch to remove Sutherland. However, Australia's finishing power—scoring 15 runs off the final over—proved to be the difference.
A Chaotic Start to the Chase
New Zealand’s chase started on a bizarre note as Megan Schutt’s first delivery slipped out of her hand, bouncing awkwardly for a no-ball. However, she quickly returned to business, dismissing Suzie Bates, becoming only the third cricketer after Tim Southee and Rashid Khan to take 150 T20I wickets.
Schutt struck again to remove Georgia Plimmer, while Bella James fell to Sutherland, leaving New Zealand reeling. Amelia Kerr played fluently, but Devine’s slow 1 off 9 balls put pressure on the chase before she holed out to deep midwicket.
At 127 runs needed off 71 balls, New Zealand seemed out of the contest until Green’s fireworks brought them back into contention. Her four sixes in seven balls turned the match on its head. However, Australia, known for holding their nerve in crunch moments, found a way to snatch victory yet again.
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