Australia secured the Rose Bowl with a 40-run victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday night. The hosts reached 167-7 before restricting the White Ferns to 127-8, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gardner's Blazing Knock Sets Up Win
Vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner was the standout performer, smashing 84 from just 45 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes, to anchor Australia's innings. Her aggressive display on the compact ground compensated for a stuttering batting performance from the rest of the side.
Beth Mooney contributed 39 from 28 deliveries but was caught by a diving Maddy Green at long on, while Ellyse Perry, who starred in the opening game, fell for 11 as Australia stumbled to 3-41. Georgia Voll made her second duck in as many matches, caught and bowled by Bree Illing after just four balls.
Bowling Effort Clinches Victory
Australia's bowlers then dominated, with four of the six conceding fewer than six runs per over. Leg-spinner Georgia Wareham was the pick, taking 3-18 from her four overs, while Gardner added 2-17 from three. New Zealand captain Melie Kerr top-scored with 32 from 38 balls, but the visitors never mounted a serious challenge.
The win marks the first time the Rose Bowl has been contested twice in the same season, with a three-match one-day series scheduled for March. Australia have held the trophy for more than 26 years.
