Australia books its place in the final

Australia booked its place in the final of the Women's Quadrangular series against England, with a six-wicket win in the last Twenty20 international league match against New Zealand.

At the Taunton Vale Sports Club Ground, Taunton, New Zealand opted to bat first and posted 146 for 6 in its 20 overs. In reply, Australia chased down the target in 17.5 overs.

For New Zealand Liz Perry (50 not out: 37b, 5x4) was the top-scorer yet agai8n. Suzie Bates (23), Aimee Watkins (29) and Nicola Browne (28) played handy knocks. Lisa Sthalekar with figures of 2-33 was the best bowler on view for Australia.

In its chase, Australia was well served by a 82-run stand between Leah Poulton (61: 43b, 6x4) and Jessica Cameron (47: 37b, 7x4).

Shelley Nitschke (23 not out) completed the final rites in the company of Lisa Sthalekar. Suzie Bates (2-17) and Lea Tahuhu (2-24) picked up the wickets for New Zealand.

New Zealand now plays India in the third place play-off on Monday.

Aimee Watkins, New Zealand captain said: "The ground had a fast outfield and the wicket was good. We thought that we had enough. But obviously it wasn't. I think it was a par score on that pitch. But Australia took the opportunities that came their way and put away the bad balls. They chased down the target well."

Watkins also praised Liz Perry for her second successive knock under pressure, this time totaling 50. "It was a good back-up performance from Liz. She came up with another good performance for us today. I hope that continues tomorrow in the play-off and then onto the 50-over competition."

Watkins believed that the win over India in the league match would have no bearing on the third place play-off.

"Obviously we will take confidence from that win. But it does not count tomorrow, because it will be a brand new day. It will be a fresh start because of the nature of twenty20 cricket. If some of their players have a good day, then they can take the game away from us. But I am confident about our side."

Australia's Player of the Match Leah Poulton was thrilled with the result.

"It was a good ground to chase down scores. The pitch was good for batting. The target was gettable. We had some clear plans on how many runs need to be scored in every period of the match. I am glad the plans we had came good as we reached all targets set for the game."

Poulton recalled a similar chase against England at the same ground previously and said the batting derived confidence from that match.

"We had played England here and chased down 150 then. So we knew that 146 was a gettable target. We thought 140-150 was a par score and Kiwis did well in getting there. But we were always confident going into the chase."

Poulton also paid tribute to the work done by Jessica Cameron during their partnership in the chase.

"Yeah Jess and I had a good partnership. She was striking the ball well and I quite liked to play second fiddle. We have batting all the way down, it was nice to be able to play my game."

Looking ahead to the final, Poulton said it would be time for a fresh start.

"It was good to have a win in the lead-up to the final. We are confident about our chances. We have played England quite often and know what to expect of them. They are also a good, strong unit and as confident as us. So it will be a good contest," concluded Poulton.