AUS-W v NZ-W, CWG 2022 S/F: Aussies beat the White Ferns by 5 wickets to set-up gold medal clash with India

World champions Australia (AUS-W) booked their ticket for the Commonwealth Games 2022 final after the Meg Lanning-led side beat New Zealand women (NZ-W) by 45 runs in the 2nd semi-final on Saturday evening.

Chasing 145, Australia rode on valuable contributions from Beth Mooney (36 off 29), Tahlia McGrath (34 off 23), a 18-ball 19 from Rachael Haynes and a 20-ball 19* from Ashleigh Gardner to seal the deal in Birmingham.

The world champions did not get off to a good start as they lost two wickets in the form of Alyssa Healy and skipper Meg Lanning inside the powerplay.

But, as has been the case throughout this competition, the middle-order once again came to their fore to deny the White Ferns.

The defining partnership of the game came between opener Mooney and all-rounder McGrath. The duo added 56 runs for the 3rd wicket in 6 overs, with McGrath playing the aggressor role.

The right-handed batter smashed 6 fours in her 23-ball 34 before an unfortunate mix-up with her partner led to her demise.

Seamer Lea Tahuhu (3/20 in 4) kept NZ-W in the hunt with her disciplined and incisive spell. After having knocked over Healy and Lanning in her first spell, Tahuhu dismissed the dangerous-looking Mooney to revive the contest.

But, with the asking rate being run-a-ball, Gardner (19* off 20), first with Haynes (19 off 18) and then with Grace Harris (8* off 7) safely anchored the ship past the finishing line with three balls to spare.

AUS-W v NZ-W: Devine and Kerr the lone contributors with the bat for the White Ferns

Earlier, NZ-W rode on a half-century from skipper Sophie Devine (53 off 48) and a 36-ball 40 from Amelia Kerr to post 144/7 in 20 overs.

The White Ferns got off to a disastrous start as Megan Schutt (3/20 in 4 overs)  knocked over Suzie Bates for a golden duck.

Georgia Plummer scraped her way to a 16-ball 17 before she became Schutt's second victim.

Kerr and Devine held the innings together with a 73-run-stand albeit in just under 10 overs. And once Devine fell to Jess Jonassen, another collapse ensued that saw New Zealand manage 4-32 in the last 4 overs, with McGrath chipping in with two victims.

As it turned out, it proved to be inadequate as Australia strolled their way past the target to set up a blockbuster gold medal clash with their co-finalists of the 2020 T20 World Cup - India.

The final will take place on Sunday evening before New Zealand battle with hosts England in the bronze medal playoff.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand (NZ-W): 144/7 (20)

Sophie Devine 53 (48), Amelia Kerr 40 (36); Megan Schutt 3/20 (4), Tahlia McGrath 2-30

Australia (AU-W) 145/5 (19.3)

Beth Mooney 36 (29), Tahlia McGrath 34 (23); Lea Tahuhu 3/20 (4)

Result: Australia Women won by 5 wickets

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