TheSportsCampus

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have finished the series against the New Zealand White Ferns on a winning note, taking out the fifth and final T20 INTL at the MCG today by 20-runs and concluding the series as 4-1 winners.

In a double-header with the men's match being played tonight between Australia and India, the hosts produced a strong performance posting 7-129, before restricting New Zealand to 7-109.

After winning the toss and electing to bat on a hard, fast and bouncy pitch, the hosts good off to a reasonable start through opener Alyssa Healy who top scored with a brisk 30 from 27 deliveries, while Player of the Match Ellyse Perry closed the innings with an unbeaten 24 from 20 balls (as well as a tidy 1-21 from her four overs).

In reply, Australia was able to restrict New Zealand's scoring by taking regular wickets as seamer Julie Hunter snared 2-15 and spinner Erin Osborne claimed 2-19.

World number two all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar enjoyed a stellar T20 INTL Series, including two best on ground awards which earned her the honour of Player of the Series.

After the match, Australian skipper Jodie Fields said she was pleased with the series win and how preparations were progressing for the ICC World Twenty20 in the subcontinent in September.

"It's obviously very pleasing to finish off the series the way we did today and you have to be happy with that result against good opposition like New Zealand," Fields said.

"These last two games we were trying a few things and trying to get all 14 players a chance to have a go out in the middle. Wednesday didn't come off so well for us but equally New Zealand played quite well on Wednesday. We're really happy today with how the girls played. Rachael Haynes batted well, Ellyse came back and batted well, you can't ask for much more than that.

"Our preparation's been pretty good. I think we're probably at 80 per cent at the moment, there's still a lot of room for improvement, particularly with our batting and a little bit in our fielding. The 14 girls on this tour have done really well and will probably most likely go to India for the series next month as well so they get a good preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup."

Player of the Match, Ellyse Perry said the result was pleasing and that the team was looking forward to the challenge of trying to defend their crown in Sri Lanka later this year.

"This series has been particularly pleasing for us because I think everyone's contributed and we've been able to give people a go at different points in the series in different roles," Perry said.

"New Zealand is probably a little under-strength at the moment in terms of they've had a few key players retire whereas our group's in a different situation. We went through that about three years ago and now we've had a core group together for the last three years who've been able to build and work hard.

"I still think England is the benchmark for us so, from that point of view, we're pleased where we are at this stage but have probably a little bit more work to go to be in an even stronger position heading into Sri Lanka."