In an exciting last T20I match in Wellington, Australia beat New Zealand by 10 runs to guarantee a 3-0 series whitewash against the current T20I world champions. But the game will be remembered for New Zealand’s terrible fielding effort, which saw them drop Australian batter Georgia Voll a startling six times—a costly error that finally proved crucial. Cricket fans following the match on platforms like the Baji App witnessed how these mistakes shaped the game’s outcome.
Voll’s Lucky Innings in Australia’s Strong Finish
New Zealand’s shoddy fielding helped Georgia Voll, the highest scorer with 52 off 48 balls, benefit. Jess Kerr dropped the opener several times, including a simple chance in the first over when she lost grip on a crisp return catch. “Think I’m going to head to the Lotto store and buy one after this game,” Voll later quipped about her fortune.
Voll spearheaded Australia’s innings with vital partnerships—64 with Beth Mooney (32) for the first wicket and 54 with Phoebe Litchfield (23), even if her fluency was not at its best. But it was Ellyse Perry (32 off 19), and captain Tahlia McGrath (14 off 5) gave the late burst, enabling Australia to register a stunning 180/4 following a 71/1 midway mark.
The Fielding Nightmare New Zealand Is Having
Early on and never let go, New Zealand’s fielding problems started to affect everything.
Jess Kerr drops Voll off her bowling first above.
- Voll on 13: Maddy Green loses a bare chance midway on.
- Voll on 63: Rosemary Mair’s another drop, this one long-off.
Despite Mair’s late wicket from which to remove Annabel Sutherland, New Zealand’s slow over-rate penalty (forcing an additional fielder within the ring) cost them dearly as Australia plundered 15 runs off the last over from these wasted chances.
Rocky Start from New Zealand and Schutt’s Milestone
Early in the chase, Megan Schutt of Australia became the first women’s bowler to take 150 T20I wickets, thereby eliminating Suzie Bates. Schutt’s first delivery dropped out of her hand and bounced close to her feet for a no-ball, starting an odd sequence for New Zealand’s innings.
Early on, New Zealand’s chase looked hopeless. They collapsed to 54/4 in the ninth over when Sophie Devine (1 off 9) fell cheaply. At that point, needing 127 off 71 balls, the game seemed out of reach until Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr launched an impressive counterattack.
Green and Kerr’s Amazing Record-Breaking Performance Stand.
Green, who had earlier faltered in the series, burst with a 29-ball fifty with five sixes—her first in T20 IS. Adding a New Zealand-record 99-run stand for the fifth wicket, she and Kerr swung the momentum back to the hosts’ advantage.
The game hung on 28 needed off 15 balls until Georgia Wareham’s genius changed the tide. Earlier dropped Kerr, the Australian leg-spinner redeemed herself with a precise shot from deep midwicket to run out Green (57 off 32).
Death Bowling Seals the Win by Sutherland
Australia opened the door when Green dismissed, then Annabel Sutherland slammed it closed in the 19th over, claiming three wickets in four balls. Once more involved, Wareham caught Jess Kerr sharply to dismiss her, then grabbed a more straightforward chance to eliminate Amelia Kerr (55 off 39).
New Zealand required an unlikely 20 off the last over after Brooke Halliday was hurt and unable to bat, and Australia quickly finished the game.
Essential Learning Points from the Series
- Australia’s depth and fortitude were on the show, with many players stepping up in every game.
- Their weakness in fielding cost New Zealand dearly in a close fight.
- For the hosts, Maddy Green’s breakthrough innings revealed her finishing ability, which is a silver lining.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s capacity to manage pressure and seize on opposing mistakes guaranteed they kept their perfect run in the series, even with New Zealand’s late fightback. The game highlighted why Australia is still the team to challenge in women’s T20 cricket, so suiting the conclusion to a fierce series.