Openers set up big Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars win
A record opening partnership between Alex Blackwell and Shelley Nitschke was the key to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars' 104-run win over New Zealand in Hamilton today.
In just the fourth day/night match for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, Blackwell and Nitschke's effort was the highest first-wicket stand for Australia against New Zealand and included 18 boundaries from 158 balls.
The pair eclipsed their previous best which was set in the corresponding series last year to provide the perfect platform for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars to post 8-258, their second highest score against New Zealand.
After moving past their previous highest partnership of 144, both openers were dismissed in quick succession with Blackwell (59 from 79 balls) and Nitschke (73 from 85), playing in her 50th one-day international, gone in consecutive overs as the White Ferns slowed the scoring at the midway point of the innings.
Blackwell was dismissed first by Nicola Browne and then Nitschke fell six balls later to Lucy Doolan to leave the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars at 2-149 in the 28th over.
Browne struck for the second time soon after with Lisa Sthalekar's dismissal, but Lauren Ebsary (30) and captain Karen Rolton (28) quickly found their rhythm to keep the run rate moving at more than five per over and past the 200-mark.
Wickets fell regularly in the final overs as the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars middle and lower order searched for quick runs, but the total still reached the second highest ever for Australia against the White Ferns.
In reply, New Zealand started well before slumping to be all out for 154 with Erin Osborne (3-32) and Sthalekar (3-16) taking three wickets each.
New Zealand's innings began brightly before Rene Farrell broke through in the eighth over with the wicket of Katey Martin.
Aimee Mason and Suzie Bates then mounted a stern challenge but after their exit the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars bowlers gained the upper hand and quickly ended hopes of a White Ferns victory and series win.
With New Zealand leading the series 2-1, the fourth match will be played at Hamilton on Sunday. The Rose Bowl Series matches are the last one-day internationals for both teams before the ICC Women's World Cup in Australia from 7-22 March.
