Australia, after opting to bat first against New Zealand, found itself in a tricky position. At the halfway stage, Australia’s score was 157-5. The mighty Kiwis pulled back drastically. New Zealand‘s bowlers used all the tricks in the book as getting Australia’s half-star-studded team back in the dugout wasn’t that easy as bowlers bowled immaculate lines & lengths.
Phoebe Litchfield dominates powerplay overs
Australia got off to a flyer at Indore as the pitch didn’t have that many demons in it. Phoebe Litchfield was timing the ball brilliantly and toying with the bowling unit. New Zealand, though, got rid of the skipper Alyssa Healy for 19 runs in 13 balls as Bree Illing got the better of her in the 5th over.
Phoebe Litchfield’s onslaught continued as a flurry of boundaries kept on going. Australia had a productive powerplay where they scored 81 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. The outfield was lightning fast as the Kiwis needed a bunch of wickets as Australia bat very deep and have a knack of finding match-winners against all odds.
New Zealand claw their way back & roar
Phoebe Litchfield, who was looking all set for a huge score, got out on the very first ball of the 11th over; Amelia Kerr took the prized wicket. At the end of the first drinks break, Australia’s score was 99-2 in 15 overs, and Ellyse Perry & Beth Mooney had their task cut out of playing the middle overs efficiently.
New Zealand then, against the run of play, inflicted a massive batting collapse. From 99-2, Australia was reduced to 128-5 in 21.2 overs. Aussie batters were in a hurry to assert their dominance, which hurt them massively. Amelia Kerr & Lea Tahuhu foxed the batters with their variations and at the end of 25 overs, Australia was in a state of bother at 157-5.
What lies ahead for Australia & New Zealand
Australia would be banking on Ashleigh Gardner & Tahlia McGrath to bat together till the 40th over, as this is the last recognized proper batting pair. A lot will depend on whether Australia plays 50 overs,s as well as a score in excess of 280+ can be match-winning. New Zealand, though, would be pumped up with their smart comeback, but the partnership between Gardner & McGrath can spoil all of their hard work. Even at the halfway stage, New Zealand are a bit behind as Australia’s two dangerous batters, Gardner & McGrath, can still turn the tide in favor of the Aussies.