Ellyse Perry has finally scored her first international one-day century, leading Australia to a series win over New Zealand. Perry powered the Aussies to 7-247 off 50 overs, hitting a boundary off the second-last ball of the innings to move to 101 not out.
Perry was dealt some luck, however, as her boundary to bring up her first ODI ton was dropped over the rope. She then punished the last ball for six to finish on 107 not out, while pushing Australia to a competitive total of 247. Her innings was a crucial one, since Australia’s middle order struggled, placing increased pressure on Perry. Lanning (3) and Haynes (16) were dismissed in consecutive overs, leaving Australia 2-50.
Jess Jonassen also shines
While Perry’s feat with the bat was the most talked about topic of the day, Australian spinner, Jess Jonassen, ensured the Australians retained the Rose Bowl trophy. Jonassen backed up her efforts in the closely-fought first match with a five-wicket haul. She finished with 5-27 from eight overs, recording her second five wicket haul in an international fixture.
New Zealand capitulate
None of the Kiwi women could really get a solid innings going and build a foundation for their run chase. Perry backed up her ton by taking the first wicket of the match (Suzie Bates), leaving New Zealand 1-17 after six overs. Unfortunately, they continued to lose wickets at crucial stages, as Sophie Devine top scored with 47. The White Ferns were eventually rolled for just 152 inside 38 overs, as Australia recorded an emphatic 95 run win.
Aussie men fall over the line against India
In other news, the Australian men’s team have recorded a nail-biting victory over India in their first international T20 fixture in Visakhapatnam, India. The Australians bowled well to constrain India to just 7-126 off 20 overs. The Aussie men appeared to be cruising before Glenn Maxwell was dismissed after scoring an important half-century off 40 balls. This prompted a mini-collapse, however, not quite on par with the Melbourne Stars in the BBL final. D’Arcy Short was run out for 37, followed Ashton Turner (0), Peter Handscomb (13) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (4) all being dismissed quickly.
However, Australia’s golden boy, Pat Cummins, strode to the crease with Australia needing 14 off the last over. Jhye Richardon chipped in with a handy boundary, as Cummins slotted a four and a two off the last two balls to help Australia to a three wicket win.