Australia dominate Rose Bowl series opener

Australia completely dominated New Zealand in the opening match of the women's one-day cricket Rose Bowl series at Adelaide Oval today.

Chasing an intimidating 242, the New Zealanders displayed some stubborn lower order batting but were all out for 126 in 36.1 overs and slumped to a demoralising 115-run loss.

New Zealand won the toss, but couldn't secure the early breakthrough they needed as Australian openers Rachael Haynes and Shelley Nitschke put on 102 for the opening wicket.

Nitschke's innings ended after 20 overs and her 35, along with Hayne's 56 and skipper Alex Blackwell's 51 laid the base for an imposing total.

New Zealand's bowling lacked discipline at times, with 33 given away in extras, but they did manage to bowl Australia out two balls into the 48th over.

Kate Pulford, Aimee Watkins and Amy Satterthwaite picked up two wickets apiece, while newcomer Emma Campbell's five overs of leg break went for 19 runs and picked up the wicket of Nitschke.

New Zealand never looked comfortable against some focused Australian bowling, Lisa Sthalekar picking up 3-25 and Sarah Andrews 2-18 to keep the pressure on.

With New Zealand shellshocked at 60 for seven, Sophie Devine and captain Kate Martin garnered a measure of respectability with a 47-run stand for the eighth wicket, but the respite was shortlived.

Devine was run out early in the 29th over for 19, and Martin disappeared the next ball for 35 to leave New Zealand 107 for nine. Tailenders Sian Ruck and Campbell added another 19, but the result was never in doubt.

Australia have won the Rose Bowl for nine consecutive seasons, with New Zealand coming closest last year when the series was drawn 2-2.

New Zealand had opened up a 2-0 lead in the series before letting Australia back in, and the fifth and deciding match was washed out.

The second one-day international is at Adelaide Oval tomorrow, followed by three matches in Melbourne.

The teams also contest three one-day matches at Hobart from February 21-23.

- NZPA