KEY POINTS:
DARWIN - The Australian women's cricket team have cruised to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening match of their one day international series.
Chasing New Zealand's 132 at Gardens Oval, Australia eased past the total in the 33rd over for the loss of just three wickets.
Vice-captain Lisa Sthalekar led the way with 45 not out for the hosts.
Sthalekar was supported by opener Shelley Nitschkes 27, an innings that included six boundaries and set the tone for Australia's run chase.
New Zealand's bowling attack had a disappointing day, sending down 28 wides.
In contrast Australia were impressive with the ball.
"I thought our bowlers performed well and maybe the pitch suited the three spinners," Australian captain Karen Rolton said.
"Clea Smith's 10 overs in a row were really good and set us up to restrict their score to 132."
After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand stumbled to 5-44 before being all out in the 47th over, Sarah Tsukigawa and Nicole Browne providing the bulk of the runs with 31 and 30 respectively.
Australia's bowlers shared the wickets with Smith (2-15), Emma Sampson (2-19), Sarah Andrews (2-22) and Shelley Nitschke taking 2-29.
After a brisk reply early in the Australian innings, Nitschke's exit in the 15th over allowed New Zealand to claw their way into the contest after Melissa Bulow and Rolton were dismissed cheaply.
However Sthalekar and Kate Blackwell regained control and accumulated an unbeaten 76-run partnership to deliver the home side a 1-0 Rose Bowl series lead.
The second match of the five-game series will be played at Gardens Oval tomorrow.
- AAP
