White Ferns batter Sophie Devine was dismissed without scoring at the Bay Oval. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The reigning world champion White Ferns have slumped to an 82-run loss to Australia in their T20 match in Tauranga, in their second heavy loss of the series.
With the commanding victory at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval tonight, the visitors have wrapped up the series 2-0.
Batting first, Australia made 204 for 3, with opener Beth Mooney top scoring with 70 off 42 balls.
The stand-in wicketkeeper combined for a 57-run opening stand with Georgia Voll (36) to again stun the White Ferns with an early onslaught.
Needing 205 for victory, the White Ferns were bowled out for 122 in the 16th over.
Melie Kerr (40) and Maddy Green (22) were the best of the New Zealand batters in a batting order that failed to fire.
Highly regarded allrounder Annabel Sutherland recorded figures of 4 for 8 in 2.1 overs, for the best outing by an Australian woman in New Zealand.
The tourists also dominated the opener at Eden Park with an eight-wicket win.
The third and final match will be played in Wellington on Wednesday.
