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In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match T20I series, Australia Women secured a clean sweep against New Zealand Women, clinching victory by a narrow margin of eight runs in the third T20I. Having already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, the Australian side entered this match with confidence, looking to maintain their dominance over the White Ferns. The stage was set for an exciting encounter at the picturesque venue, where both teams aimed to leave their mark.
Australia’s batting brilliance
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first, setting a formidable target of 181 runs. The innings commenced with a steady start as Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll opened the batting. The duo managed to navigate through the initial overs, scoring 43 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Mooney’s early dismissal for 21 runs brought Voll to the forefront, and she quickly seized the opportunity.
Voll showcased her exceptional batting skills, anchoring the innings with a splendid knock of 75 runs off just 57 balls. Her innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, including eight fours and a six, demonstrating her ability to score freely against both pace and spin. Voll reached her half-century in style, bringing up her 50 off 44 balls, which included four fours and one six. Her partnership with Phoebe Litchfield (26 runs) was pivotal as they added crucial runs during the middle overs.
Ellyse Perry also made significant contributions towards the end of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 32 runs off just 19 deliveries. Her quick-fire innings helped propel Australia to a total of 180 runs for the loss of four wickets after their allotted 20 overs. The Australian batting line-up exhibited depth and resilience, with Tahlia McGrath contributing a brisk 14 runs off five balls towards the end.
The New Zealand bowling attack struggled to contain the Australian batters, with Rosemary Mair being one of the few bright spots, claiming a wicket for just 29 runs in her four overs. However, it was Sophie Devine who managed to dismiss Voll, ending her impressive innings and giving New Zealand a glimmer of hope.
Georgia Voll: The rising star
Voll’s performance in this match was nothing short of spectacular. At just 21 years old, she has rapidly established herself as one of Australia’s most promising talents. Her innings of 75 runs not only marked her career-best performance but also showcased her ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most.
Voll’s aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease allowed her to dominate bowlers throughout her innings. Dropped on five occasions during her knock, she capitalized on these opportunities with remarkable composure. Her ability to find gaps and rotate strike effectively demonstrated her maturity as a player despite her relatively short international career thus far.
This performance is likely to bolster her position in the national team as she continues to develop into a key player for Australia. With her recent success across formats—including notable performances in domestic leagues—Voll is poised for an exciting future in cricket.
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New Zealand’s chase: A rollercoaster ride
Chasing a target of 181 runs, New Zealand Women faced an uphill battle from the start. The innings got off to a disastrous beginning as they lost their captain Suzie Bates for just seven runs in the very first over, caught by Georgia Wareham off Megan Schutt‘s bowling. Georgia Plimmer followed soon after, falling victim to Schutt as well, leaving New Zealand reeling at 9 for 2.
Despite this shaky start, Amelia Kerr emerged as a beacon of hope for New Zealand. She played a resilient innings, scoring 66 runs off 47 balls and anchoring her side through turbulent times. Maddy Green also provided support with an explosive knock of 62 runs off just 35 deliveries, including two fours and five sixes. Their partnership was crucial as they attempted to rebuild after losing early wickets.
As the match progressed into its final overs, New Zealand seemed poised for an unlikely victory. However, they lost wickets at regular intervals due to tight bowling from Australia’s bowlers. Annabel Sutherland was particularly effective, taking four wickets for just 35 runs in her four overs. She dismissed key players including Jess Kerr and Polly Inglis in quick succession.
In a nail-biting finish, New Zealand needed just nine runs from the final over but eventually managed to score 172 for 8 in their allotted overs. Despite their valiant effort led by Kerr and Green’s partnerships, they could not cross the finish line.
Australia won the T20I series 3-0 🏆#women #cricket #NZvAUS #australiacricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/2IZVyBBUQl
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 26, 2025
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
