Mooney magic helps Aussies crush NZ
The left-handed opener showcased her talent with an unbeaten 75-run innings, guiding Australia to chase down the target of 138 with a remarkable 39 balls to spare.
Mooney, along with her opening partner Georgia Voll (50), set the tone early in the innings by propelling Australia to 0-77 in just six overs at Eden Park, leaving the T20 world champions in disbelief.
New Zealand struggled to contain the aggressive batting display, committing several fielding errors that paved the way for Australia’s comfortable win.
The partnership between Mooney and Voll became Australia’s highest opening stand in a T20 match against New Zealand, showcasing their dominance.
Although Voll fell short of the target by 15 runs and Phoebe Litchfield departed soon after, Ellyse Perry joined forces with Mooney to guide Australia across the finish line.
Despite missing star allrounder Ashleigh Gardner, who was undergoing scans for an injured finger, Australia displayed a clinical performance to secure the victory.
Mooney’s exceptional performance in her milestone match highlighted her valuable contribution to the Australian team over the years, solidifying her place as a key player.
On the batting front, the White Ferns posted a competitive total of 2-137, thanks to an unbeaten 90-run partnership between Amelia Kerr (51no) and Sophie Devine (39no).
Returning to international cricket after a mental break, Devine impressed with her batting alongside Kerr, providing a strong foundation for New Zealand’s innings.
Stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath and quick Darcie Brown were the only wicket-takers for Australia in a disciplined bowling effort.
Despite the setback of Gardner’s injury, Australia fielded a full-strength XI in the opening match, aiming to reclaim their dominance in T20 cricket.
As the reigning T20 world champions, the White Ferns posed a formidable challenge, but Australia’s solid performance signaled their intent to regain their title.
With star bowler Alana King omitted in favor of legspinner Georgia Wareham, Australia showcased their depth in talent and adaptability in team selection.
