The New Zealand Women’s Emerging Players suffered a heavy loss to the Australian Shooting Stars in the third 50-over match at Blacktown Olympic Park Oval, Sydney.
The home team won by 184 runs and take a two-nil lead in the best-of-four series with Australia’s Beth Mooney starring with an impressive unbeaten century.
Chasing a formidable 280 run target the visitors were bundled out for 95 with Australia claiming victory in the 26th over.
Lower order player Lea Tahuhu top scored with an unbeaten 18 while the next best came from opener Meg Kendal who struck 13.
Most of the damage was inflicted by left-arm seamer Gemma Triscari who took five for nine off five overs while new-ball bowler Megan Schutt picked up three for 38.
Earlier, the New Zealand bowling attack were on the back foot from the outset with Elyse Villani and Mooney putting on 111 for the second wicket.
The partnership was broken by New Zealand’s best bowler Morna Nielsen who removed Villani for 67 and finished the match with respectable figures of two for 30.
Mooney continued to be destructive with her 107 not out helping carry Australia to 279 for seven.
