Aussie eves crush England by six wickets, register third win

Chennai, Mar 1 (UNI) Aussie eves enhanced their chances of making it to the final and defending their title with an authoritative six-wicket win scoring 269 losing just four wickets against England who made 268-8 in 50 overs in the fifth match of the double leg Round Robin league in the Quadrangular tournament here today.

In an action-filled match at the IIT Chemplast ground, the Aussies, chasing a stiff target of 269 coasted to an easy win thanks to brilliant 77 off 82 balls by Lisa Sthalekar who also hit six fours and a six and put up 71 runs for the third wicket with Karen Rolton (35, 55 balls, five fours).

Earlier, the Aussies were off to a rollicking start with openers Melisa Bulow (52, 56 balls, seven fours) and Shelly Nitschke (21, 35 balls, one four, one six) putting on 80 runs off 88 balls.

Kate Blackwell chipped in later with an unbeaten 40 off 36 balls with three fours. As the Aussie batswomen sent the struggling England bowlers on a leather hunt.

Australia gained 14 points from five matches running up their third successive win, putting behind their poor start in the tournament. Their still need to beat India in their last league outing on March 3, to make it to the final.

More UNI