Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Kerr’s magic spin gives a push to New Zealand against Australia

In a thrilling contest at the ICC Women’s T20I, New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Amelia Kerr’s impressive four-wicket haul, mounted a strong comeback to restrict Australia to 148, the highest score at this venue so far. The match seemed to be slipping away from New Zealand as Australia looked poised for a massive total, but timely breakthroughs by Kerr and Rosemary Mair helped reel them in. Australia’s middle-order crumbled under Kerr’s clever use of wrong 'uns, keeping the game well within New Zealand’s grasp going into the chase.

Amelia Kerr stars with 4 for 26 as NZ pull back the momentum

Australia began their innings in commanding fashion, reaching 109 for 2 by the 14th over, with hopes of surpassing 160. However, Amelia Kerr, who has been in fine form throughout the tournament, turned the tide with her spin bowling. Kerr first claimed the prized wickets of top-order batters before running through the lower middle order, finishing with figures of 4 for 26. Her mastery of spin, particularly her deceptive wrong 'uns, completely bamboozled the Australian batters, leaving them struggling to find rhythm.

Rosemary Mair also chipped in with key contributions, and the surprise package of the innings was Brook Halliday, who bowled full-tosses and loopy deliveries that somehow found success, finishing with 2 for 16 from just two overs. Halliday's crucial stumping of Annabel Sutherland, after just one ball, epitomized New Zealand's fightback as Australia struggled to gain momentum toward the end of their innings.

Australia's bepth in batting rescue them after middle-order collapse

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia’s depth in batting allowed them to post a competitive total. Molineux (14) and McGrath (15) played handy cameos, finding the boundary when needed, while Phoebe Litchfield (18) and Wareham (4) fell prey to New Zealand’s sharp fielding and Kerr’s unrelenting attack.

Amelia Kerr's brilliant effort was complemented by Lea Tahuhu, who took a crucial catch to dismiss Wareham, while Kerr herself showcased her all-round skills by taking a fine catch off Halliday’s bowling to remove Litchfield. Kerr’s clinical performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the innings, with New Zealand now poised for an intense chase on a sluggish pitch.

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As the innings break approaches, New Zealand faces a challenging but achievable target of 149. Having successfully chased 160 against India in Dubai, New Zealand will need to navigate the sluggish pitch and Australia’s strong bowling line-up to secure another memorable victory. With Kerr’s heroics keeping the game tight, it’s now up to New Zealand's batters to rise to the occasion.