Nitschke and Rolton star in Australia's win by Cricketarchive Staff Reporter

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Scorecard:	Australia Women v South Africa Women
Player:	S Nitschke, KL Rolton
Event:	ICC Women's World Cup 2008/09

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DateLine: 13th March 2009

 

Australia bounced back strongly from the defeat in their opening match against New Zealand and scored a comprehensive win against South Africa in New Castle. The stars of the victory were Karen Rolton and Shelley Nitschke who scored brisk half-centuries to lead the hosts to a formidable 258. Nitschke damaged South Africa with the ball as well, taking 3 for 43 as South Africa were dismissed for 197. South Africa have lost both their matches and are virtually out of the running for the Super Six.

 

Australia's openers Nitschke and Alex Blackwell gave their team a solid start after Rolton won the toss. They added 75 in 20.3 overs before Blackwell was bowled by Alicia Smith, the first of her three wickets. However, it was the second-wicket partnership of 82 between Rolton and Nitschke that turned the match in Australia's favour. They increased the run-rate during the stand and by the time Nitschke was dismissed for 87 off 94 balls, Australia were scoring at nearly five runs per over. Rolton carried on, hitting 13 fours during her 96 off 87 balls. Rolton looked certain to reach her hundred in the final over - and become the most prolific century-maker in women's cricket - but couldn't get enough strike.

 

The target was a formidable one and South Africa's innings never gained the necessary momentum. Trisha Chetty held the innings together with a half-century but she received little support from her team-mates. South Africa fell away after Cri-zelda Brits and Mignon du Preez scored 36 and 37 respectively. Nitschke's three wickets jolted the middle order and the last six batsmen failed to reach double figures.