Women’s international cricket in the pandemic era started with Australia hosting New Zealand in a limited-overs series. The series started with the first T20I between the two teams in Brisbane. Australia beat New Zealand in a close game. They ultimately won by 17 runs as the White Ferns reached 121 while the target to win was 139. Skipper Sophie Devine scored 29 in a losing cause.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Healy’s smart glovework saw the back of Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine for 29 off 34 balls chasing 116 for victory. The incident happened in the last delivery in the ninth over of the Kiwi chase. Right-arm medium pacer Delissa Kimmince bowled a delivery to Devine which he missed and Healy was quick to remove the bails off after the batter lost her balance.
The third umpire saw the replay frame by frame and with close attention to rule his decision on the bowler’s favor. Her wicket was a massive blow to the White Ferns as they lost the momentum in their chase.
Watch Sophie Devine Stumped by Alyssa Healy
Cricket Australia was quick to share the video of the same on their Twitter handle. “Devine is out stumped by a matter of millimeters!” read the caption.
Devine is out stumped by a matter of millimetres!
What's your call? #AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/cG2KLP1uzu
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) September 26, 2020
Elysse Perry Ruled Out of First T20I
Earlier in the game, New Zealand Women won the toss and opted to bowl first. Star all-rounder Elysse Perry missed the first game for Australia owing to after tearing her hamstring in the World T20 earlier this year. “She’s still working through her return-to-play plan,” Lanning, the Australian captain, said ahead of the series opener.
“She’s doing everything she can to get up and play (at some point in the series), and she’s got a very good plan in place – everyone has looked after her, and once she gets through that she’ll be available,” Lanning further said on Perry.
Meanwhile, ECB has proposed some changes to the rules of The Hundred for its Women Stars. The players will be given the option to roll over their contracts next year, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed. The Women’s Hundred also like the men’s has been postponed to 2021 owing to COVID-19 concerns.
Also Read: Cricket Australia Postpone Series Against Afghanistan, NZ to 2021-22