Gardner, Perry shine as Aussies hand whitewash to NZ

Melbourne: Australia handed an ODI series whitewash to New Zealand with a dominant seven-wicket win in the third and final match of the Rose Bowl Trophy at the Junction Oval in Melbourne on Sunday.
With the victory, Australia consolidated their position at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship table with 22 points from 12 matches, six above the second-placed India who have played three matches more.
In spite of all-rounder Sophie Devine’s fighting half-century, Player of the Match off-spinner Ashleigh Gardner (3-49) helped Australia restrict New Zealand on 231 for eight.
In reply, all-rounder Ellyse Perry guided her side with an unbeaten 75-ball 54 after a solid 84-run stand put on by openers Rachel Haynes (46) and Alyssa Healy (46). The visitors got their breakthrough in the 17th over, when Leigh Kasperek dismissed Haynes. Within four overs, Healy followed suit but had added 24 with her skipper Meg Lanning to well place Australia.
Lanning and Perry in the middle stitched 62-run stand, diminishing New Zealand’s hope for a consolation win. Although Kasperek again broke a strong partnership, Perry along with Beth Mooney wrapped up the chase with 13 balls remaining.
Earlier, Kiwi openers Suzie Bates and Devine had put on 70-run together for the first wicket before leg-spinner Georgia Wareham sent Bates back for 35. It was only when New Zealand skipper Amy Satterthwaite stepped in that Devine found support on the other end. The duo added 39 for the fourth wicket before Gardener trapped Devine for 58.