Bates leads White Ferns to six wicket win

A captains knock by Suzie Bates has helped the White Ferns to a six wicket win over Australia in the T20 INTL Series at Sydney Olympic Stadium, Sydney.

With Australia already having an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five match series, the White Ferns gave their fans something to cheer about as they first confined Australia to 92 for seven off a reduced 18 overs and then went onto reach the target with five balls to spare.

The White Ferns chase got off to a solid start with Sara McGlashan, who was elevated to the top of the order, hitting a towering six and a boundary on her way to a quick fire 19.

A number of small partnerships followed, including a meaningful 19 run stand for the third wicket between Bates and debutant Maddie Green who contributed 18 on her own.

Bates continued to control the run chase, carrying her bat through the innings to top score 40 not out with the team making 95 for four.

Earlier, a tight bowling performance and sharp fielding effort kept Australia on the back foot from the outset.

The team completed the first of two run-outs after just six balls had been delivered and continued to apply the pressure to see the top four Australian batsman back in the pavilion by the end of the fifth over.

Jodie Fields (37) and Lisa Sthalekar (23) then steadied the innings with a 43 run stand before the White Ferns picked up two further wickets to finish strongly.

Kate Broadmore was miserly and accurate throughout her four overs, making two early strikes before returning at the end of the innings to complete the job with figures of 3 for 9.

The teams now head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday for the final match of the tour.