Cricket: NZ women give Australian rivals a Twenty20 drubbing

WELLINGTON - New Zealand's women maintained their grip over Australia in the shortest international form of the game with a resounding 59-run win at the Cake Tin yesterday.

It gives the White Ferns four straight Twenty20 wins over Australia, following a clean sweep in Hobart, which came after a 5-0 beating in their ODI series in Australia.

Having made 132 for seven, with opener Suzie Bates showing out with 48 off 40 balls, and Sophie Devine making a brisk 28, New Zealand rolled Australia for just 73. Captain Aimee Watkins grabbed three for eight, and new ball bowler Kate Pulford two for 21.

"It's better suited to our style," Bates said of the disparity in performance between the 20 and 50-over versions.

"We really enjoy the shorter version, we've got some big hitters and it's a style of game where we can be really aggressive."

Bates said they had got a lesson in their ODI series and that is something the New Zealand side are determined to polish up.

The women are relishing the chance to play on the same stage as the men, with the television coverage and crowds on hand.

"Just having the crowd cheering and the pride that your family can watch you at home, you really want to focus on your preparation and not look silly."

The teams clash in Christchurch tomorrow with three ODIs to follow next week in Queenstown and Invercargill.