In probably the most exciting match in the history of Women's International cricket New Zealand took the World title from the holders and firm favourites Australia.

The Aussies have fallen foul of the Kiwis before when favourites to win namely in the World Cup held in England with a final at Lord's. The Kiwis won the semi then but failed against England at the last hurdle.

In the last World Cup final in India New Zealand lost to Australia. Losing the final was a habit they desperately wish to be rid of.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat but having made good progress, 38-1, rain stopped play in the 10th over.

Despite the fast bowler Fitzpatrick taking some stick as she had done from the South Africans in the semi, the rest of the Aussie bowlers kept New Zealand's batmen under a tight rein. Top score for the Kiwis was hit by Kathryn Ramel who posted 41. She was out in the 47th over and a final innings total of 184 seemed to be far too few for the powerful Australian line up.

New Zealand hit back well though, grabing two quick wickets and Australia appeared rattled by this set back.

Belinda Clark, one of women's cricket's finest batsman, now staged almost a one person battle against New Zealand as no one else seemed able to build an innings against some fine bowling. It was also to the credit of the Kiwi fielding and captaincy of Emily Drumm that Clark was kept off strike for much of the innings. After 31 overs the score stood at 105-5 with Clark on 70* having faced 82 balls.

By the 42 over Australia had reached 150-6 with Clark now on 91 and her side requiring 35 runs off 48 balls. Then she fell to Nicholson, bowled and just 9 runs later McGregor was run out for 19. The tail was determined to wag and so closer they came, ball by ball, over by over, as the 3000 crowd bit their nails and loudly urged their own side on.

When Fitzpatrick was out Australia needed 10 runs from 11 balls and as the final over began Australia's last pair Mason and Fahey still needed 5 runs to win.

In an atmosphere of hushed tension the last over began and with the first ball Nicholson had Mason caught by wicket keeper Rolls to win the match for a jubilant New Zealand.
Belinda Clark was adjudged Player of the Match but Kiwi Nicholson will remember her two wickets for the rest of her life.

This match had been an excellent exhibition of good cricket and will have helped advance the women's game where it is shown. Sadly not in UK.
MEBc2000