Lanning ton helps Australia Women retain Rose Bowl

Meg Lanning's 127 off 135 overshadowed Suzie Bates' ton to help Australia Women clinch the series 2-1 and maintain their 17-year grip on the Rose Bowl, after a convincing six-wicket victory against New Zealand Women in Mount Maunganui. Bates and Lanning became the first set of captains to score centuries in the same Women's ODI.

Lanning, coming off an unbeaten century in the previous game, came in early after Morna Nielsen dismissed Nicole Bolton in the last ball of the second over. Her knock formed the backbone of Australia's run chase, taking the side to the brink of victory, but was dismissed in the penultimate over. Alyssa Healy hit a four off her first ball to seal the chase of 244 with eight balls to spare.

New Zealand used seven bowlers in their attempt to defend their total. Nielsen and Sophie Devine were economical and picked up a wicket apiece, while Leigh Kasperek claimed two scalps. However, the 129-run fourth-wicket stand between Lanning and Alex Blackwell powered Australia towards the target.

Earlier in the day, Lanning's counterpart, Suzie Bates, led New Zealand's effort with 110 off 133 balls. She was supported by Amy Satterthwaite and Sara McGlashan, adding stands of 87 and 101 for the second and third wickets respectively.

New Zealand, though, did not quite get the lower-order thrust to push them past 250. After the fall of the third wicket at 201, they added only 42 runs off the last 41 balls.

Rene Farrell was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Her figures of 1 for 38 in 10 overs helped Australia contain New Zealand to 243.