Weather Ruins Final T20 Clash Between Australia and New Zealand

Sydney, October 22: Rain played the spoiler in the third T20 International between Australia Women and New Zealand Women, with the match failing to reach a conclusion. The result gave Australia the series 2-0.

Heavy showers led to a delayed toss, and the contest was shortened to 14 overs per team. Australia chose to bowl after winning the toss.

New Zealand lost early wickets. Sophie Molineux removed Melie Kerr for 4 runs in the second over, and Kim Garth followed up in the next over by bowling Georgia Plimmer for 2 runs.

With New Zealand on 11 runs for 2 wickets after 2.4 overs, rain returned with greater intensity and play was stopped. As the downpour continued, the match was finally called off.

Australia's series win was secured earlier with victories in the first two games. The first T20 went Australia's way by 2 wickets, after New Zealand made 162 for 2 in 20 overs and Australia reached the target in 18.5 overs with 8 wickets down.

In the second T20, Australia recorded a 40-run win. They made 167 for 7 in their 20 overs, while New Zealand were bowled out for a total of 127 for 8.

Ashleigh Gardner was honoured as Player of the Series for scoring 107 runs and claiming 2 wickets across the series. Her fiery 84 off 45 balls in the second T20, which contained 10 fours and 4 sixes, stood out as the series' most memorable innings.