Sophie Devine smashed a 117-ball unbeaten 161 as New Zealand Women made a huge statement, defeating six-time ICC Women's World Cup champions Australia by nine wickets with 41 balls to spare in a warm-up game at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval here on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The White Ferns top-order had the Meg Lanning-led Australia rattled at Lincoln Green, with skipper Devine leading the way in a chase of a mammoth 322.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Devine sent an ominous warning to the rest of the field, finishing with an unbeaten 161 from just 117 balls, chasing down the massive target inside 44 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Lanning tried nine of her bowlers, no one was able to stem the flow of runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Alana King (1\/48) claimed the only wicket for the Aussies, removing Suzie Bates (63), who had already set the chase up for the White Ferns with her captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Devine was joined by Amelia Kerr (92 not out from 75 balls), as the tournament hosts smashed an astonishing 48 boundaries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Earlier, Hannah Rowe's 4\/49 ruined Australia's middle-order charge in the death overs. Rowe removed Tahlia McGrath for a duck, and curtailed Ash Gardner's charge, albeit after making 60 from 32 balls. Australia fell three balls short of batting their allotted overs, posting 321.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Six of Australia's bowlers went for over a run a ball, as New Zealand coasted to victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n