Cricket: White Ferns too good for Australia

Sara McGlashan in action. Photo / NZPA

The New Zealand women's cricket team lead their Rose Bowl series 2-1 against Australia after winning the fourth Twenty20 international at Invercargill by 14 runs today.

Sara McGlashan, who top scored in the White Ferns' 19-run win over the same opponents yesterday, again led the way with the bat as the hosts made 147 for five.

The 28-year-old hit five fours and a six in crushing 62 from just 50 balls before being bowled in the final over by Sarah Coyte.

She shared in a 97-run stand with Amy Satterthwaite (45) for the third wicket at Queen's Park.

A brisk 33 from opener Meg Lanning gave Australia a good start but by the time Nicola Browne removed Jess Cameron and Alyssa Healy in successive balls in the 13th over they were well behind the asking rate.

Captain Alex Blackwell (29) gave them some hope, but it took some lusty late blows from Lisa Sthalekar, who was unbeaten on 32 from 20 balls to get them to 133 for six by the close.

The fifth and final Twenty20 match between the two sides is at the same venue tomorrow.

Two Twenty20 matches were played last December, with the first washed out at Hamilton on December 28 and Australia winning the second, at Nelson, by four wickets on December 30.

Scores: New Zealand 147 for 5 (20 overs) (S McGlashan 62, A Satterthwaite 45) beat Australia 133 for 6 (20 overs) (M Lanning 33, A Blackwell 29, L Sthalekar 32no; K Broadmore 2-19, N Browne 2-24) by 14 runs. New Zealand lead five-match series 2-1.

- NZPA