Opening batsman Meg Lanning blitzed a century off 45 balls to lead Australia Women to an emphatic victory in the third ODI against New Zealand Women in Sydney. The nine-wicket win, achieved in the 22nd over of the chase, ensured the Rose Bowl will remain with Australia, who led the four-match series 2-1.
Chasing a target of 178, Lanning sped off in top gear while her opening partner Alyssa Healy complied a half-century that was nearly a run a ball. Lanning got to her half-century in 23 balls and her century in 45, setting new Australian Women's records. The record for the fastest century was previously held by Karen Rolton, who scored 100 off 57 balls against South Africa in December 2000.
The Australian openers added 146 runs in 17.1 overs before Lanning was dismissed by Nicola Browne, the solitary wicket-taker for New Zealand. She had scored 103 off 50 balls. Healy was unbeaten on 62 off 69 when the winning runs were scored.
The victory had been set up by Australia's bowlers, who dismissed New Zealand for 177 in the 46th over. The visitors had got off to a solid start, with the openers adding 53, before both fell off successive deliveries. New Zealand lost their third and fourth wickets in the space of one run, and from 75 for 4 they continued to slump. Erin Osborne was the best of Australia's bowlers, taking 3 for 32 in ten overs. There were three run-outs in the New Zealand innings.