Related Links
Captain Aimee Watkins lashed 73 off 56 as the White Ferns hammered Australia by nine wickets in their opening match of the ICC World Twenty.
Accurate bowling and solid fielding from the White Ferns restricted Australia to 123 for eight from their 20 overs.
Lisa Sthalekar was the only Australian batsman to fire hitting seven fours on her way to 46.
Sian Ruck ripped through the top order taking three for 12 off four overs with fellow opening bowler Sophie Devine taking two for 25.
The White Ferns made a shaky start to their run chase with Lucy Doolan being run-out for three but an unbeaten 118 run partnership between Suzie Bates and Watkins saw them win with over three overs to spare.
Bates hit 41 off 42 including five boundaries – quiet in comparison to Watkins who pounded 12 fours and a six on her way to 73.
“You got good value for your shots and Suzie and I enjoyed our partnership and I loved batting with freedom which is something we are all keen to do so today was my day,” Watkins said.
The White Ferns play the West Indies on 13 June at 12:00 noon (UK time), 11:00pm (NZ time).
