Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Leigh Kasperek, Holly Huddleston shine in New Zealand's final warm-up

New Zealand thumped Thailand by 81 runs in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 warm-up clash on Wednesday (February 19) at the Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide.

Thailand were never in the 195-run chase, especially after losing three wickets for just 18 inside the fourth over. Nattakan Chantham (0), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (0) and Nattaya Boochatham (14) were all back in the hut cheaply.

Leigh Kasperek and Holly Huddleston had done the early damage. But then Naruemol Chaiwai (15) and captain Sornnarin Tippoch (21) kept the New Zealand bowlers at bay for close to five overs. Chanida Sutthiruang then played a quick 31-ball 36 knock to take Thailand closer to the 100-run mark.

Kasperek and Huddleston picked up three wickets each while Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr picked one apiece.

Earlier, put in to bat, New Zealand got off to a blazing start, thanks to Rachel Priest (15 off eight) and Maddy Green (34 off 25). At one for 48 in the fourth over, Suzie Bates walked in and got into the groove.

Green’s fall led to Kerr joining forces with Bates. The duo then added 126 runs in just 77 balls, helping New Zealand post four for 194. Bates finished on 78 off just 47 balls while Kerr scored a 40-ball 54.

Thailand’s bowlers didn’t really have a productive day, with Sutthiruang (2/31) picking up two of the four Kiwi wickets to fall.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 194/4 in 20 overs (Suzie Bates 78, Amelia Kerr 54; Chanida Sutthiruang 2/31) beat Thailand 113/8 in 20 overs (Chanida Sutthiruang 36, Sornnarin Tippoch 21; Leigh Kasperek 3/9, Holly Huddleston 3/29) by 81 runs.