The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have taken a 2-0 lead in the Rose Bowl Series with a four-wicket win in a rain-affected one-day international against New Zealand at Adelaide Oval today.
After dismissing New Zealand cheaply for 142, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars were in a good position at 1-34 in the 11th over when rain forced players from the field. When play resumed, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars' victory target was reduced to 110 from 32 overs.
Captain Alex Blackwell and vice-captain Shelley Nitschke weren't fazed by the extended delay and they systematically set about the run chase after the resumption, adding 45 for the second wicket before Nitschke's innings ended on 38.
By that stage the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars were in a commanding position needing just 32 from 12 overs. Two wickets in as many balls soon after Nitschke's exit gave New Zealand hope, but the victory target was achieved with 13 balls and four wickets to spare.
After winning the toss yesterday and watching the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars pile on the runs, New Zealand decided to bat first when the coin fell captain Aimee Watkins' way for the second day in a row.
The decision to bat didn't bring a change of batting fortunes for New Zealand however as the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars attack again dominated with the first five wickets falling for 89.
Sarah Andrews did the early damage removing both openers cheaply before the spin of Lisa Sthalekar ended Victoria Lind's promising knock on 33 from 32 balls. Sthalekar and Nitschke then tore through the White Ferns middle order as they slumped to 7-120.
For the second time in as many days, the New Zealand innings finished in the 38th over with Lind and Katey Martin the main contributors.
The honours were evenly shared for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars with Andrews, Ellyse Perry, Sthalekar and Nitschke claiming two wickets each.
The next match in the Rose Bowl Series is a one-day international at St Kilda Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Sunday.
