The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have lost a tightly-contested WT20 INTL series against the New Zealand White Ferns 2-1, following a seven-wicket loss in the third and deciding match at the Junction Oval today.

The home side lost the toss and was sent in to bat. Elyse Villani, who recently re-joined the national side, found the boundary on three occasions and scored a quick-fire 20 runs before she was dismissed. Jess Cameron (48) proved the main-stayer of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ innings, with her knock including four fours and two sixes. She was well supported Lisa Sthalekar (24) as they took their side’s total to 5-134 after 20 overs. The wickets were shared evenly among the White Ferns bowlers, with Morna Nielsen (1-9) the most economical.

New Zealand got off to a solid start in their run chase, with openers Lucy Doolan (35) and Suzie Bates (67) putting together a strong partnership and notching the majority of runs required to surpass the total set by the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars. The White Ferns reached their target in the 19th over, finishing 3-136. Ellyse Perry (-32) and Renee Chappell (1-35) were the only wicket-takers for the Southern Stars.

New Zealand captain Suzie Bates claimed the player-of-the match award, while Meg Lanning was named player-of-the-series.
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