Australia women win Rose Bowl Series 4-2
Australia women on Thursday finished off the Rose Bowl Series on a winning note with a 19-run win over New Zealand in the final game at Allan Border Field.
After retaining the Rose Bowl Trophy with an unassailable lead following Tuesday's game, Australia women on Thursday made sure of the series result and ensured Shelley
Nitschke's final game on home soil was a memorable one.
New Zealand won the toss and sent the hosts in to bat, eventually dismissing the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars for 222 after 48.3 overs, with some solid middle-order partnerships providing the foundations for the innings.
In reply, the Kiwis struggled for momentum as Australia women were able to take regular wickets on their way to bowling New Zealand out for 203.
After the match, Australia captain Jodie Fields said it was pleasing to finish the series on a high to celebrate Nitschke's last international game at home.
"We came into today's match wanting to finish the series on a positive note and it's great that we've been able to achieve that, especially in Shelley's last game (at home)," Fields said.
"Although there was no one or two stand-out performers for us today, it was great to see a range of contributors with bat and ball."
Batting first, it was Australia's middle-order that set the tone with Leah Poulton backing up from Tuesday's half-century with another 38 today and vice-captain Alex Blackwell contributing a classy 51.
With the ball, it was Nitschke again who did the damage with 3-36, while fellow spinner Lisa Sthalekar also picked up 3-28.
"Alex and Leah put on a great partnership early in the game that really set the pace for us today. Leah again played very positive and smart cricket and likewise Alex," Fields said.
"Then with the ball it was two of our most experienced players again leading from the front and it makes captaining easy with those sorts of players in the team.
"It's been great to get out and play a couple of good games this week and we'll take some confidence and momentum with us to England for the Quad Series.
"I know everyone is really looking forward to that opportunity and the challenge that lies ahead playing against three of the best sides in the world," Fields said.
Australia women leave for England on Thursday night for the Quadrangular Series, pitting the four best Twenty20 and one-day international teams in the world against each other, with Reliance ICC rankings at stake.
