Nitschke, Coyte help Australia to tight victory

Australia Women edged home off the last ball to complete a nail-biting three-wicket win against India Women in Chesterfield. The victory was crafted on two fine all-round performances from Shelley Nitschke and Sarah Coyte, who helped Australia overcome a tenacious India side.

Set 216 for victory, Australia were given an excellent platform from Nitschke who made 78 from 100 balls. All the top order contributed, though, with Meg Lanning adding 23 before she was run out, Leah Poulton 34 and Alex Blackwell 23.

While coasting on 121 for 1 the game looked set to be an easy win for Australia, but four wickets fell for 47 runs to drag India back into contention. When Gouher Sultana had Lisa Sthalekar trapped in front for 6 Australia were 168 for 5 and wobbling. But a calm 11 from 22 balls from captain Jodie Fields steadied things, before Coyte helped Australia over the line with an unbeaten 17 from 19 balls.

It meant no reward for India who would have been frustrated to end up all out for 215, having been 163 for 3 at one stage. Poonam Raut made a stodgy 60 from 106 balls, sharing a 75-run partnership with Mithali Raj, who made a brisk 49 from 61 deliveries. The only other sizeable contribution came from Harmanpreet Kaur, who made 31.

Coyte and Nitschke took three wickets each, with fast-bowler Clea Smith also chipping in with 2 for 32 from her 10 overs.