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Aussie women book spot in World T20 semis

3 minute read

Another Alyssa Healy half-century has helped Australia to victory over New Zealand in the women's World Twenty20 and into the semi-finals.

ALYSSA HEALY of the Sixers bats during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at SCG in Sydney, Australia.
ALYSSA HEALY of the Sixers bats during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Brisbane Heat at SCG in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Australia are through to the women's World Twenty20 semi-finals as Alyssa Healy stamped her authority as the tournament's form player to help her side to a 33-run victory over New Zealand in the West Indies.

After Healy hit her third straight half-century against New Zealand to guide Australia to 7-153, quick Megan Schutt claimed 3-12 to help roll the White Ferns for 120 in Guyana.

Quick bowler Schutt's haul took her to the top of the tournament's list of wicket-takers with seven after New Zealand had looked in the hunt at 4-94 with seven overs to go.

Sophie Molineux and Delissa Kimmince also claimed two scalps each, while Ashleigh Gardner got the key wicket of Suzie Bates lbw for 48.

"I love playing on wickets like this," said Schutt, although the pitches are suited to spinners.

"For me slower balls and back-of-the-hand balls and that sort of stuff is what I love to bowl.

"And here it grips a little bit more and there's some pretty big turn out there for myself."

Healy set the tone for Australia's dominant victory by slugging 53 from 38 balls at the top of the order.

The 28-year-old was dominant down the ground as she belted eight boundaries and New Zealand were left to rue a simple dropped catch by Amelia Kerr when she was on 11.

The knock took her tournament tally of runs to 157 at an average of 78.5 and strike rate of 160.2, including the second-fastest women's T20 half-century in 21 balls against Ireland on Monday (AEDT).

"She's bloody worked hard in the off-season," Schutt said.

"We had a chance to be in our home states and actually have a pre-season and she's showing how much that actually helps.

"I've been on the receiving end of it a few times in the Big Bash, but to see it so consistently out here at an Australian level is really pleasing."

Offspinner Leigh Kasperek (3-25) led the spirited fightback for New Zealand as Australia faltered following Healy's dismissal, while Sophie Devine also claimed 2-37.

But early wickets to Schutt and Ellyse Perry (1-24) meant the pressure was always on the White Ferns and after an unsuccessful chase their title hopes are all but over.

The win marked Australia's third consecutive win to start the tournament and their 12th straight in the format, with Sunday morning's (AEDT) clash with India set to decide top spot in their group.

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