When Ricky Ponting's team set the world record for 21 consecutive ODI victories in 2003, many thought that the record would never be broken. But like most records which seem unsurpassable, it's only a matter of time before the phenomenon repeats itself.
Meg Lanning's girls, the Australian national women's team, may not have broken the record as yet, but they have certainly created ripples by equaling the 21-match streak of Punter's world beaters.
It is tough to fathom, but the Australian team has been red-hot in all formats of the game. The team, which recently won the women's T20 World Cup, has been on a roll in 50-over cricket in particular. The Australian women haven’t lost a single ODI since their defeat to England on October 29, 2017.
Their winning streak began against India and also includes series wins against Pakistan, England, West Indies and New Zealand.
In the final match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Australia were almost guaranteed a victory after they plundered 325/5 from their 50 overs. The team may have been playing without their regular captain Meg Lanning and top all-rounder Ellyse Perry, but that did not stop them from scripting history.
At the centre of the action was T20 World Cup triumph architect Alyssa Healy who struck 87 and Rachael Haynes who blasted 96. Despite sincere efforts from Amelia Kerr (3-50), Australia's total was close to unchaseable, especially given their gun bowling line-up.
As expected, the pressure of having to score briskly from the outset got to New Zealand. Already battling the absence of skipper Suzie Bates, the White Ferns lost their stand-in captain Sophie Devine off the very first ball of the innings, and it was all downhill for them post that.
Australia's bowlers landed punches regularly, and all it took them was 27 overs to knock out their trans-tasman rivals. New Zealand were bowled out for 93, with Amy Satterthwaite (41) waging a lone battle. All of Australia's six bowlers pocketed at least one wicket each. Sophie Molineux (2-2) had the best figures among the lot.
The hosts registered a thumping 232-run victory to complete the clean sweep. The win was also their biggest victory over New Zealand in women's ODIs and their fifth-biggest overall.
This was their 21st consecutive victory in ODIs and the Australian Eves will enter the Women's Big Bash League on a high.
