Australia recorded a comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand after opener Meg Lanning smashed 112 off 104 balls in the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Tuesday.
Chasing 228, Australia raced to victory with 70 balls to spare at the DRIEMS ground, Tangi.
The 21-year-old Lanning, who blasted 17 fours and a six during her stay at the crease, found an able ally in Jess Cameron, with whom she added 182 runs for the second wicket in just 29 overs. Cameron made 82 (87b, 1x6, 12x4).
Bates’ knock in vain
Lanning’s effort ensured New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates’ knock of 102 went in vain. The Kiwis built their innings on Bates’ knock of 102 (134b) after losing four wickets with just 39 runs on the board.
The 26-year-old skipper added 103 runs for the fifth-wicket with Katie Perkins (41) and was then involved in a 69-run sixth-wicket stand with Nicola Browne (39 not out).
Bates' knock and her two partnerships gave the Kiwi total a semblance of respectability after the early blows. However, it did not prove enough for the Aussies as they cantered to an easy win.
Australia's Megan Schutt was the pick of the bowlers from either side as she finished with impressive figures of three for 40 from 10 overs.
The scores: New Zealand 227 for six in 50 overs (Suzie Bates 102, Katie Perkins 41, Nicola Browne 39 n.o., Megan Schutt three for 40) lost to Australia 228 for three in 38.2 overs (Meg Lanning 112, Jess Cameron 82).
Brief scores : New Zealand 227 for 6 in 50 overs (S.W. Bates 102, K.T. Perkins 41; M.L. Schutt 3 for 40) lost to Australia 228 for 3 in 38.2 overs (M.M. Lanning 112, J.E. Cameron 82).
