Spirited Western Australia chase falls short as NSW get first win

New South Wales secured their first victory of the season after Erin Burns led a fightback with the bat then they held off a spirited chase by Western Australia.

Rain ended the home side's innings after 32.5 overs and by the time it relented Western Australia required 222 from 32. Beth Mooney and Mathilda Carmichael added 69 in 10 overs to give them an excellent base but Mooney, who made 151 in her previous innings, was brilliantly run out by a direct hit from Australia team-mate Alyssa Healy as she ran around from behind the stumps.

However, Carmichael took charge and brought up a superbly-paced fifty to give her team a terrific chance of chasing the target before being lbw to Ash Gardner with 50 needed from 46 balls. It proved a step too far despite the efforts of Amy Edgar and a brief flurry from Alana King.

Maitlan Brown, who had struggled badly in her first two matches of the season, rebounded with 4 for 41.

New South Wales lost their opening two outings of the season heavily against Queensland and started uncertainly again when Tahlia Wilson clubbed a full toss to midwicket and Alyssa Healy was bowled by an excellent delivery that nipped by from Piepa Cleary.

Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield rebuilt, but when both fell in the space of three overs it was 4 for 97. However, Burns and Anika Learoyd responded in positive style to add 78 in 13 overs before the rain came, after Burns had brought up her fifty from 39 balls.