Rolton inspires 78-run victory
A superb hundred from Karen Rolton, a devastating spell of fast bowling from Cathryn Fitzpatrick, and a tremendous allround display from Kris Brett inspired Australia to a comfortable 78-run victory over New Zealand in the first of six one-day
Wisden Cricinfo staff
11-Feb-2004
Australia Women 4 for 225 (Rolton 102, Jones 36, Britt 34*) beat New Zealand Women 147 (Tiffin 39, Fitzpatrick 4-11, Britt 3-26) by 78 runs
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Scorecard
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Karen Rolton's century set up Australia's win © Getty Images |
A superb hundred from Karen Rolton, a devastating spell of fast bowling from Cathryn Fitzpatrick, and a tremendous allround display from Kris Britt inspired Australia to a comfortable 78-run victory over New Zealand in the first of six one-day internationals at Eden Park in Auckland. Having made 4 for 225 from their 50 overs, Australia then bowled out New Zealand for only 147.
Fitzpatrick, considered by most to be the world's fastest female bowler, made the early inroads, and finished with 4 for 11 from eight overs. Britt, a legspinner, then drove home the advantage by dismissing both Haidee Tiffin and Aimee Mason. Tiffin top-scored with 39, and Mason made 26, while Maia Lewis, the captain, was run out for 33.
Britt had earlier made an impact with the bat as well, slamming 34 from only 28 balls as Australia finished strongly. Melanie Jones contributed a steady 36, but the undisputed star was Rolton, who made 102 off 133 balls, with 11 fours. Coming to the crease at the fall of Lisa Sthalekar's wicket (17 for 1), she was unconquered at the end as Australia finished with a total that was well beyond New Zealand.
It was Rolton's fifth one-day hundred, and her third against New Zealand.