Carpet layers go down.

by bodyline Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:37 pm

Aussie women cricketers also lose to NZFebruary 3, 2009 - 4:29PM
Australia have slumped to a second straight defeat in the annual women's cricket Rose Bowl series against New Zealand, losing by four runs despite half-centuries from Karen Rolton and Lisa Sthalekar.

The White Caps can wrap up by the five-match series with victory in game three in Hamilton on Friday.

The White Ferns defended their total of 7-218 on Tuesday by holding the world champions to 9-214.

New Zealand last beat Australia in a series in 1998 but have quickly taken the initiative this week after winning the opening game by two wickets in Whangarei on Sunday.

On that occasions they chased down a moderate target and on Tuesday they posted a respectable total and defended it.

Australia were in strife after the early loss of openers Shelley Nitschke and Alex Blackwell, but bounded back into contention on the back of a superb stand for the third wicket by skipper Rolton and Sthalekar.

The pair took the game by the scruff of the neck to put on a partnership of 113 as New Zealand captain Haidee Tiffen was forced to rotate her bowlers to keep the runs in check.

They were only parted when Kate Pulford pulled off a brilliant catch at square leg to remove Rolton for 62, scored off 86 balls and featuring 10 fours.

Sthalekar later departed for 72, with just four boundaries off 116 deliveries, when she was bowled by Suzie Bates (3-40).

Australia were then 5-191 in the 45th over and the momentum had swung as the White Ferns increased the pressure.

Earlier, the New Zealand total had been built around a responsible half-century from Tiffen, who made an unbeaten 64 from 103 balls.

Sthalekar was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 2-40 from 10 overs.

2009 NZPA