Ashleigh Gardner's 45-ball blitz set up a 40-run T20I win at North Sydney Oval and sealed the Rose Bowl for Australia.
Australia have kept hold of the Rose Bowl. Ashleigh Gardner's explosive 84 off just 45 balls drove a 40-run Twenty20 International win over New Zealand at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday night.
Batting first, Australia posted 167-7, a total that always looked testing. Gardner, the vice-captain, anchored the innings with fearless strokeplay and gave her side a platform the visitors never looked like reaching.
New Zealand's chase stalled under pressure. They finished on 127-8, 40 runs short, as the Australian attack kept a firm grip and wickets fell at regular intervals.
The result puts Australia 2-0 up in the three-match series, which is enough to retain the trophy. The final game is on Thursday, where New Zealand will be looking to avoid a clean sweep and Australia will be looking to finish the job.
