White Ferns beat Aussie in T20 warm-up

New Zealand have beat Australia by 18 runs in a women's Twenty20 cricket world championship warm-up match at Molyneaux, St Kitts, in the Caribbean this morning (NZT).

A 54 by Suzie Bates and 23 Australian extras, including 20 wides, saw New Zealand reach 135 runs for six wickets in their 20 overs.

Bates and Sara McGlashan, who scored 26, put on 56 runs for the second wicket to anchor New Zealand's innings.

New Zealand bowled tightly to restrict Australia's reply to 117 for five with Sian Ruck taking an economical two for 11 off her four overs. Alex Blackwell topscored for Australia with a 44 not out.

New Zealand, who play another warmup match against West Indies tomorrow, open their world championship campaign against India on Friday morning.

Abbreviated scores
New Zealand 135-6, 20 overs (Suzie Bates 54, Sara McGlashan 26) bt Australia 117-5, 20 overs (Alex Blackwell 44 not out; Sian Ruck 2-11) by 18 runs.

- NZPA