Annabel Sutherland’s remarkable summer unfolded further as she played a pivotal role in helping Australia secure a 75-run victory over New Zealand, clinching a 2-0 series win. Following Ashleigh Gardner's impressive ODI score of 74, leading Australia to a total of 290 in Wellington, Sutherland excelled with the ball, taking three wickets for 39 runs, which led to New Zealand being bowled out for 215.
This match marked Australia's final encounter before the upcoming multi-format Ashes series next month, and it signified a dominant performance against New Zealand in the three-match Rose Bowl series, despite the first game being washed out. Previously seen as a rising talent, Sutherland has emerged as one of the world’s premier all-rounders. Just two weeks ago, she scored an unbeaten 105 against India in Perth and followed it up with another stellar performance, hitting 110 in her subsequent innings in New Zealand.
In the recent match, Sutherland contributed 42 runs and secured crucial wickets, dismissing Bella James and Suzie Bates, impacting the White Ferns' chase significantly. New Zealand's strong start reached 106-1 before Sutherland's dismissal of Bates turned the tide. Sutherland's effort, along with Legspinner Alana King's impressive 3-34, ensured New Zealand crumbled from 106-1 to an all-out total of 215. Meanwhile, Gardner's return to form shone brightly, as she scored 74 runs, showcasing her skill after a challenging period.