Lanning's record-breaking hundred seals series win

Meg Lanning anchored Australia Women's innings with a record-breaking unbeaten century (104 not out) to spur the visitors to a hard-fought five-wicket victory against New Zealand Women in the third One-Day International on Sunday (March 5) at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. With this win, Australia clinched the three-match rubber 2-1.

Lanning's century was her 10th in ODIs - most by a player in women's cricket. Charlotte Edwards held the previous record with nine, while Claire Taylor and Karen Rolton compiled eight tons.

While chasing down a considerable target of 271, Australia needed a solid start. However, Holly Huddleston, Auckland's medium pacer, dislodged Nicole Bolton (0) to peg Australia back. It was the pair of Beth Mooney (69) and Lanning who took the tourists to calmer waters with a brisk 93-run stand off 108 balls for the second wicket.

With the score reading 108 for 1, Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr combined to run-out Mooney. The right-handed batter ended the series as Australia's top run-getter with 226 runs in three games. Huddleston followed it up by sending Ellyse Perry (1) back to the hut.

Elyse Villani (37) and Alex Blackwell (32) then provided Lanning the required support to pilot Australia to 245 for 5 in the 46th over. Despite Anna Peterson prising out Blackwell caught and bowled, Lanning and Alyssa Healy (21 not out) steered the visitors home in the last over. Lanning also completed her 10th ODI hundred with a single off Peterson in the 47th over.

Earlier, Rachel Priest (77), the wicketkeeper, and Katey Martin (77) compiled fifties to ensure New Zealand finished up with a competitive score. Ashleigh Gardner and Amanda Wellington had bagged the key scalps of Suzie Bates (27) and Amy Satterthwaite (11) to reduce New Zealand to 73 for 2.

Priest and Martin, however, charted New Zealand's recovery with a 97-run stand for the third wicket. At 230 for 3 in the 43rd over, the hosts looked set to notch up a massive score, but Australia took six wickets for 40 runs to chart a comeback. For the visitors, Jess Jonassen returned noteworthy figures of 3 for 47. The left-arm spinner, who was laid low by a knee injury last year, would be pleased with her fine show.

Australia now have won seven consecutive Rose Bowl ODI series against New Zealand.

Brief scores: New Zealand 270/9 in 50 overs (Rachel Priest 77, Katey Martin 77; Jess Jonassen 3-47) lost to Australia 273/5 in 49.2 overs (Meg Lanning 104*, Beth Mooney 69; Holly Huddleston 3-44) by five wickets

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