18 Feb 2010

Australia retain Rose Bowl with fourth win

7:21 am on 18 February 2010

The New Zealand women cricketers had no answer to Australia's Southern Stars who recorded their fourth straight win to take an 4-0 lead in the Rose Bowl Series in Melbourne.

After winning the toss and batting first, the White Ferns could make only 162 in 37.3 overs, with the Australian openers knocking off with 17 overs to spare.

The White Ferns' wicketkeeper batsman Katey Martin top scored with 25 and was one of a number of the line up unable to convert a start into a big score.

Australia's strike bowler Ellyse Perry took five for 31 and opener Leah Pouton made a a career best 104 not out.

The teams meet again in Melbourne this afternoon in the final One-Day International before they head to Hobart for three Twenty20's.