All-round Perry lifts Australia to consolation win

Ellyse Perry's all-round performance helped Australia Women to a consolation win against New Zealand Women in New Plymouth, as the hosts took the T20 series 2-1. Chasing 146, New Zealand were cruising at 72 for 1 after 11 overs before regular wickets turned the contest decisively in Australia's favour.

Suzie Bates, who was recently named New Zealand Women's Player of the Year for the third consecutive year, continued her form with another fifty and put on 62 with Sara McGlashan (35) to keep New Zealand on course in the chase. No other batsman reached double figures as the Australia bowlers chipped away at the wickets regularly.

Perry, bowling the penultimate over, removed Anna Peterson and Bates off successive balls to all but seal the victory. She finished with figures of 2 for 15 from her four overs. Megan Schutt was also economical, while picking up two wickets. Eventually, New Zealand fell short by 17 runs after finishing with 128 for 8.

Earlier, after being inserted to bat, Australia lost Elyse Vilani for 6. However, a run-a-ball 43 from Perry along with brisk contributions from Meg Lanning (17) and the middle order helped Australia reach a competitive 145 for 7. Alex Blackwell (27) and Perry added 51 for the third wicket off just 42 balls. Thamsyn Newton claimed figures of 2 for 16.