Gardner smashes 84 as Australia retains Rose Bowl over NZ
A brilliant knock of 84 by Ash Gardner has guided Australia to victory over New Zealand. (Getty Images: Matt King)
In short:
Australia has retained the Rose Bowl following a 40-run victory in the second T20 against New Zealand.
Australia has a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, retaining the Rose Bowl, which it has held for 26 years.
What's next?
The third and final match of the series will be played on Thursday.
Australia has retained the Rose Bowl with a comfortable 40-run victory in the Twenty20 International against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval.
Led by a blazing 84 from vice-captain Ash Gardner, Australia scored a competitive 6-167 and held New Zealand to 8-127 on Tuesday night, claiming a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the remaining game on Thursday.
It was Australia's 12th T20 victory in a row, including an unbeaten run during the World Cup in the UK during June and July, prompting Gardner to credit surprise skipper Sophie Molineux with enhancing a winning culture.
"It's led by Soph, who has brought this different mantra to the group, and the fun aspect as well," Gardner said.
"When you're enjoying yourself, and you're having fun, it creates an environment of growth and wanting to learn and challenge yourself."
Australia has held the Rose Bowl for more than 26 years, and the trophy is on the line again in March for a three-match one-day series. This will be the first time it has been contested twice in the same season.
Gardner dominated an otherwise stuttering Australian batting performance, hitting 10 fours and four sixes in 45 balls on the compact North Sydney Oval.
Beth Mooney looked good for the second time in the series without pressing on, well caught by a diving Maddy Green at long on for 39 from 28 deliveries, lofting a slower ball from Jess Kerr.
Australia then smothered New Zealand. White Ferns captain Melie Kerr top scored with 32 from 38 balls, while Australia's most successful bowler was leg-spinner Georgia Wareham, who claimed 3-18 from her four overs.
New Zealand named an unchanged team after giving Australia a fright in the opening game, with the home side scrambling to victory by two wickets in a tense finish.
There was no such tension this time, with New Zealand never mounting a serious challenge.
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