With their victory in the second ODI against New Zealand, the defending Women’s Cricket World Cup champions are poised to win the ICC Women’s Championship for the third time in a row.
Australia vs. New Zealand, second ODI, scorecard:-
Australia moved up to 37 points in the ICC Women’s Championship rankings after defeating the White Ferns by 65 runs (using the DLS system) in the second ODI.
India is still the only team with 25 points that can catch Australia. They need to win all six of their remaining games in the cycle, which include three against the West Indies and three against Ireland, beginning with their first game against the West Indies on Sunday, in order to achieve this.
In their last ODI of the series, India will also need New Zealand to defeat Australia. Any other result, even a draw or a tie, would guarantee Australia’s victory and their third straight ICC Women’s Championship crown.
Given that they have won every tournament since its establishment, this would further solidify their supremacy.
Australia are within touching distance of winning their third consecutive ICC Women's Championship title 🏆 #NZvAUS | Full details 👇https://t.co/xhXLcEBo4C
— ICC (@ICC) December 21, 2024
After weather ruined the series opener in Wellington, Australia won the second ODI thanks to Annabel Sutherland.
Sutherland achieved her second consecutive century, staying undefeated at 105 off just 81 deliveries, building on her century in the final ODI against India. Sutherland continued to surpass the 50-run and 100-run benchmarks, despite the fact that a number of Australian batters had promising starts.
Kim Garth set the tone for Australia with the ball, dismissing openers Suzie Bates and Bella Jones during the Powerplay. Melie Kerr put up a brave 38 but lost Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday while she was at the crease.
Kerr’s dismissal in the 28th over left New Zealand struggling at 131/5 in 30.1 overs, still 65 runs behind the DLS-par score when play was interrupted by rain. Molly Penfold put up her career-best ODI figures of 4/42, but it wasn’t enough to stop Australia from amassing an overwhelming total of 291/7.