ICC Women's World Cup 2009: Rolton stars in Australian victory

ICC Women's World Cup 2009 - News

Rolton stars in Australian victory

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 2:11:49 AM

Australia got its ICC Women’s World Cup campaign back on track with a 61-run victory over South Africa.

The win means that Australia is now level on points with the West Indies, although New Zealand tops Group A after two consecutive victories.

After a disappointing batting display against New Zealand on Sunday, Australia struggled to score in the early morning conditions against some excellent new ball bowling.

But once Shelley Nitschke (87) and Alex Blackwell (22) had dealt with the opening bowlers, they looked reasonably comfortable as they went onto add an excellent 75-run partnership for the first wicket.

A second-wicket stand of 82 between Nitschke and Karen Rolton then put Australia into an excellent position, with the Australian skipper in particularly good form as she made 96 not out off just 87 deliveries.

South Africa showed great character and determination to restrict the Australia score to 258-4 off 50 overs, with all-rounder Alicia Smith adding to her ever growing reputation with 3-42.

After losing Claire Terblanche early on, an excellent 82-run stand between Trisha Chetty (58) and Cri-Zelda Brits (36) meant that South Africa was very much on course for its victory target.

But the fall of two quick wickets dented Sunette Loubser’s side chances, before Mignon due Preez (37) and Alicia Smith (19) led a mini recovery to lead South Africa to 161-3 with 9 overs remaining.

Needing quick runs, South Africa had no alternative but to throw the bat, which resulted in a dramatic collapse to 197 all out, losing seven wickets for 35 runs, with Shelley Nitschke (3-43) the pick of the bowlers.