Annabel Sutherland Leads Australia to Series Win Over New Zealand
3rd ODI: Annabel Sutherland produced another all-round display as Australia sealed a 2-0 series win over New Zealand in Wellington. Having starred with a century in the second ODI, Sutherland followed it up with a crucial 42 off 43 balls, helping Australia to a challenging total of 290/9.
The innings was built on solid contributions from Ashleigh Gardner, who top-scored with 74 off 62 balls, and Phoebe Litchfield, who laid the foundation with a well-played 50 off 59 balls. Australia’s top order set the tone with an 88-run opening stand, but the middle order faltered as they slid to 127/4. This brought Sutherland and Gardner together for a vital 63-run fifth-wicket partnership, which steadied the innings. However, after Sutherland's departure in the 32nd over, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, but their total still proved too much for New Zealand.
Sutherland was also key with the ball. She removed Isabella Rose James early to stem New Zealand’s momentum and later dismissed the in-form Suzie Bates, as New Zealand’s chase lost its way. Despite efforts from Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr, New Zealand could not recover. Alana King was another standout performer, claiming 3 wickets, while Sutherland’s 3-wicket haul wrapped up New Zealand for just 215, with Australia winning by 75 runs.
Brief Scores:
- Australia Women: 290/9 in 49 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 74, Phoebe Litchfield 50, Annabel Sutherland 42; Amelia Kerr 4-53, Rosemary Mair 3-58, Sophie Devine 2-49)
- New Zealand Women: 215 all out in 43.3 overs (Suzie Bates 53, Maddy Green 39*; Alana King 3-34, Annabel Sutherland 3-39)
- Result: Australia won by 75 runs.
2nd ODI: After the first ODI was washed out, Australia dominated the rain-affected second match to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Annabel Sutherland continued her incredible form, scoring her second successive ODI century. She posted 105 runs off 113 balls, anchoring Australia’s innings and guiding them to 291/7.
Sutherland’s knock was the highlight of Australia’s innings as wickets fell around her. Tahlia McGrath and Alyssa Healy provided brief support with 34 each, but the bulk of the scoring came from Sutherland. Her century came off 113 balls, and she played aggressively towards the end of the innings, including an explosive 17-run over off Eden Carson.
In reply, New Zealand were immediately under pressure. Kim Garth struck early to dismiss both openers within the first 10 overs, reducing the hosts to 25/2. Amelia Kerr fought hard to keep the chase alive with a patient 38, but rain halted the match with New Zealand at 122/5 in 30.1 overs. The DLS method calculated that New Zealand were 65 runs behind at that stage, and no further play was possible, awarding Australia a 65-run victory.
Brief Scores:
- Australia Women: 291/7 in 50 overs (Annabel Sutherland 105; Molly Penfold 4-42)
- New Zealand Women: 122/5 in 30.1 overs (Amelia Kerr 38; Kim Garth 2-14)
- Result: Australia Women won by 65 runs (DLS Method).
Australia’s comprehensive performances in both matches highlighted the brilliance of Annabel Sutherland, who demonstrated her skill with both bat and ball. With the series secured, Australia will look to build on their momentum heading into the next phase of their tour.
