Cricket: White Ferns cruise past Aussie Stars

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The White Ferns convincingly beat the Australian Stars by eight wickets in the first one-day international of the Rose Bowl series at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.

Opting to bat first, the home side were dismissed for 248 after 48.1 overs. In reply captain Suzie Bates made an unbeaten 122 to lead her side to victory in 44.5 overs.

Amy Satterthwaite joined her skipper and was aggressive against the Australian bowling attack early. The pair kept on top of the required run-rate and held the momentum for much of the innings.

Both players brought up their half-centuries in quick succession and took New Zealand to 152 for one after 28 overs. Satterthwaite was eventually dismissed lbw on 98, with New Zealand on 196 after 36 overs.

Bates brought up her century four overs later to claim her third career ODI ton.

Bates' player of the match performance was highlighted by 16 fours and a six and came off 131 balls.

Earlier, the Stars had come back from a mid-order collapse to post a competitive total.

Rachel Candy finished with figures of four for 36 from nine overs and found help from Sian Ruck and Morna Nielsen, who picked up two wickets apiece.

New Zealand now lead the four-match series one-nil, with the second match to be played tomorrow.