ICC Women’s World Cup 2017, Australia vs New Zealand: 5 Talking Points

Another Ellyse Perry masterclass saw Australia romp home in style

The Australian women kept their clean slate intact after a convincing five-wicket victory over New Zealand. It was the Suzie Bates led side who had won the toss and had elected to bat first. They even got off to a good start, but once the spinners came on it was a different ball game altogether.

A late fifty from Katie Perkins saved some blushes as they reached a respectable total of 219 for 9 wickets in their stipulated 50 overs. But it was never going to be enough. The Australians had chased down a 250-score in the last game and they never looked in trouble today either.

A couple of quick wickets by Amelia Kerr had given the White Ferns some hope but a calm and composed Ellyse Perry took the game away from them.

Here are the five biggest talking points from the match.

#5 Wickets at regular intervals hurt New Zealand

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Katie Perkins of New Zealand in action during the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 match between Australia and New Zealand at The County Ground on July 2, 2017 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images) — *Katie Perkins in action*

Batting first after winning the toss did not seem like a bad option at the outset. The White Ferns did just that and Suzie Bates, playing in her 100^th ODI was determined to get a big score. As she and Rachel Priest played out the opening ten overs.

However, as soon as the spinners came on, wickets began to fall at regular intervals. The highest partnership for the White Ferns was 50 which came for the 2^nd wicket. The second highest was 49, which came for the 7^th wicket.

Other than that, there were no substantial partnerships in the entire innings. It was Katie Perkins, who gave New Zealand something to play for with an excellent half-century but 219 was never going to be enough.