The third and final women’s T20I between Australia and New Zealand was abandoned after just 2.4 overs due to persistent rain at North Sydney Oval.
New Zealand had reached 11/2 when heavy showers returned, preventing any further play. Australia had already secured the series and the Rose Bowl trophy after winning the first two matches.
The hosts claimed a two-wicket victory in the opener before defeating New Zealand by 40 runs in the second T20I, completing a 2-0 series win.
Rain Interrupts Play After Delayed Start
The match began more than an hour later than scheduled because of wet weather. Australia captain Sophie Molineux won the toss and elected to bowl in a contest initially reduced to 14 overs per side.
However, the revised playing conditions offered little opportunity for meaningful action.
Only 16 deliveries were completed before another spell of heavy rain forced the players from the field. The showers continued, leaving officials with no option but to abandon the match.
It was a disappointing conclusion to a competitive series, which marked both teams’ return to T20I cricket following the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Molineux and Garth Strike Early for Australia
Both teams retained their playing XIs for the final match, although New Zealand adjusted their batting order following their disappointing performance in the second T20I. Captain Melie Kerr moved from No. 3 to open the innings, replacing Flora Devonshire, who dropped to No. 6.
Izzy Sharp was promoted from No. 5 to No. 3 as New Zealand attempted to strengthen their top order.
Kerr did not face a delivery until the eighth ball of the innings but immediately attacked Molineux, driving her first ball through the covers for four.
However, the New Zealand captain was dismissed on the following delivery after mistiming a shot towards mid-on. The wicket was Molineux’s 20th first-over dismissal in T20I cricket.
Kim Garth then removed Georgia Plimmer with a delivery that crashed into the stumps.
After using several slower balls, Garth surprised the opener with additional pace to claim Australia’s second wicket.
New Zealand were 11/2 when rain returned and brought the match to a premature end.
Australia Retain Rose Bowl With 2-0 Series Victory
Despite the abandoned final match, Australia finished the series unbeaten. Their opening victory came in a closely contested match, with the hosts successfully chasing New Zealand’s total to win by two wickets.
Australia followed that result with a more comfortable 40-run victory in the second T20I.
New Zealand managed only 127/8 in that match, prompting the batting-order changes for the final encounter. The rain prevented the visitors from testing whether those adjustments would produce an improved performance.
Australia’s two victories were enough to secure the Rose Bowl trophy.
Megan Schutt Misses Final T20I
Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt was unavailable for the final match after receiving a two-match suspension from Cricket Australia for breaching rules concerning prescription medication.
Schutt had also been left out of the opening two T20Is despite previously impressing during Australia’s ODI series against Bangladesh.
Her absence did not prevent Australia from winning the series, with the hosts’ bowling attack performing effectively across the completed matches.
Australia and New Zealand Set for ODI Series in March
The abandoned match brought the three-game T20I series to an early conclusion, with Australia retaining the Rose Bowl following their 2-0 victory.
New Zealand will be disappointed not to have another opportunity to challenge the hosts, particularly after changing their batting order for the final game.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in an ODI series in March.
