In this article, we will delve into the key moments of the match, analyze standout performances, and highlight important stats that shaped this closely contested game. We’ll also take a closer look at Phoebe Litchfield’s match-winning innings, Australia’s top-order struggles, and the bowling efforts from both teams.
In the 1st T20I between AUS W and NZ W at Mackay on September 19, 2024, AUS clinched a thrilling victory by 5 wickets with 8 balls to spare. Chasing a target of 144, Australia Women, led by a spectacular unbeaten 64 from Phoebe Litchfield, managed to outplay the New Zealand bowlers in the final stages of the game.
New Zealand Women had earlier posted a competitive total of 143/7 in their 20 overs, with Suzie Bates top-scoring with 33. Australia’s bowling unit, led by Megan Schutt and Sophie Molineux, kept New Zealand in check despite a promising start.
New Zealand Women put up 143/7 in their 20 overs, with skipper Suzie Bates leading with a solid 33 off 27. Despite early powerplay setbacks, courtesy of Annabel Sutherland, the rest of the lineup struggled to make a big impact.
Brooke Halliday struggled for momentum, scoring 5 off 9 balls before falling lbw to Georgia Wareham. Maddy Green provided some stability in the middle order, top-scoring with 35 off 33 balls, including 2 boundaries, but was dismissed late in the innings by Megan Schutt. Wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze chipped in with 11 off 9 balls before being trapped lbw by Heather Graham.
Leigh Kasperek (14 off 16) and Jess Kerr (11* off 10) helped NZ add some runs in the latter stages, while Lea Tahuhu contributed with a quick 2* off 1 ball. Extras played a part, adding 14 runs to the total, including 12 byes.
Australia’s bowling attack was disciplined, with Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck, Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, and Heather Graham all taking a wicket each. Molineux was particularly economical, conceding just 19 runs in her 4 overs. The New Zealand batting line-up struggled to build partnerships, and their total of 143 was competitive but below par on a decent batting surface.
In Australia Women’s successful chase of 144, they reached 145/5 in 18.4 overs, with Phoebe Litchfield leading the charge with a brilliant unbeaten 64 off 43 balls. Litchfield’s innings, which included 11 boundaries, anchored the chase and provided the much-needed stability after a shaky start.
Beth Mooney (13 off 10) was the first to fall, caught behind off Molly Penfold in the third over. Skipper Alyssa Healy (17 off 18) followed soon after, caught by Amelia Kerr off Leigh Kasperek. Ellyse Perry (8 off 8) and Tahlia McGrath (6 off 10) both failed to make significant contributions, leaving AUS at 85/4.
Litchfield found support from Georgia Wareham, who played a crucial cameo of 26 off 20 balls, including 3 boundaries, before being caught and bowled by Brooke Halliday. With the match still in the balance, Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland (4* off 3) calmly saw Australia over the line with 8 balls to spare.
For NZ, Molly Penfold was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 24 runs in her 4 overs, while Leigh Kasperek and Lea Tahuhu picked up one wicket each. However, they couldn’t stop Australia’s steady progress, as Litchfield’s match-winning knock proved too much for the visitors.
New Zealand Women– 143/7 (20)
Australia Women–145/5 (18.4/20)
Result – AUS Women won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match – Phoebe Litchfield
Phoebe Litchfield
New Zealand Women | Suzie Bates (C), Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (WK), Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Molly Penfold, Fran Jonas |
Australia Women | Beth Mooney, Alyssa Healy (C) (WK), Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Heather Graham, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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