Nitschke hundred keeps series alive

Australia 256 for 4 (Nitschke 113*, Elliott 59) beat New Zealand 255 for 8 (Satterthwaite 81, Bates 61, Hunter 3-40) by six wickets
Scorecard

Shelley Nitschke's maiden one-day century stormed Australia to a six-wicket win that levelled the Rose Bowl Series in New Zealand. Nitschke took charge during the pursuit in Invercargill as she carried her bat for 113, guiding the side to 256 for 4 with 15 balls to spare.

It continued Australia's successful run in the 50-over games, with them currently leading 7-0 in the format during home-and-away contests over the past month. The result leaves the teams at 2-2 - New Zealand won both Twenty20s - and the trophy will be decided in another ODI in Invercargill on Sunday.

Nitschke has been a consistent performer during both Rose Bowl series with bat and ball, but she produced an outstanding display that included seven fours and four sixes. She gained help from the opener Leah Poulton, who eased to 47 off 54, while Sarah Elliott was also a key figure with 59 off 62.

New Zealand quickly moved on from their last-ball loss in Wednesday's 1st ODI after winning the toss and racing to 255 for 8. Amy Satterthwaite controlled the innings with 81 off 96 and her stand of 114 at five an over with Suzie Bates ensured Australia would face a big chase.

When Bates went for 61 the hosts lost 3 for 8 to be 179 for 5, but Satterthwaite kept going until she was dismissed by Julie Hunter in the 44th over. Hunter was the most successful bowler with 3 for 40 off eight overs while Erin Osborne's two strikes were responsible for the mid-innings stumble.