1st ODI: Amy Satterthwaite’s 92 in vain as Australia women walk away with five-run victory

For Australia women, left-arm spinner Jonassen was the pick of the bowlers pocketing four wickets in her 10 overs at 4.30.

Perth: New Zealand women Amy Satterthwaite’s fine 92 went in vain as Australia women registered a close five-run victory in the first ODI of the two-ODI series in Perth on Friday. The ongoing series is part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Chasing 242, the tourists lost both their openers inside the first five overs. Sophie Devine was the first to depart for 3 off Ellyse Perry, while Suzie Bates added 8 before she was trapped lbw by Megan Schutt.

Satterthwaite and Katie Perkins then held the innings together as the duo conjured 99 runs for the fifth wicket before Perkins, who fell two runs short of her fifty was dismissed by Jess Jonassen. Perkins’ 68-ball stay at the crease was studded with three boundaries and the solitary six. (ALSO READ: New Zealand women head coach takes leave of absence following World T20 campaign review)

It was Jonassen, who was the pick of the bowlers for the home side. The slow left-arm spinner pocketed four wickets in her 10 overs at 4.30. She also accounted for the wicket of the White Ferns skipper, who smashed five boundaries en route to her 123-ball 92, in the 49^th over. Sattherwaite’s wicket proved to be crucial as New Zealand women were unable to step on the gas in the final eight deliveries and finished five runs short.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Rachael Haynes top scored with 67 off 80 in a fine batting display which included 10 boundaries as Australia posted 241 in 50 overs. For New Zealand women, Devine was the pick of the bowlers with three for 32 in her 10 overs, while Rosemary Mair, Hayley Jensen and Amelia Kerr pocketed two wickets apiece.

Brief scores: Australia women 241 (Rachael Haynes 67, Sophie Devine 3/32) beat New Zealand women 236/9 (Amy Satterthwaite 92, Katie Perkins 48; Jess Jonassen 4/43) by five runs