Australia complete clean sweep of Vanuatu in Pacific T20 series

Callan Morse
Callan Morse Published May 10, 2023 at 10.00am (AWST)

The Australian women's Indigenous XI has completed a clean sweep of Pacific neighbour Vanuatu in their four-match T20 series, comfortably winning the final match in the series by five wickets.

Six Australian bowlers were amongst the wickets, whilst middle order batters Anita Silva and Hannah Darlington saw the home side to victory with more than three overs to spare.

Australia (5-70) defeated Vanuatu (9-68) by five wickets

After losing early wickets, Australia successfully chased down Vanuatu's 9-68 in the final match of the series, with Kamilaroi allrounder Hannah Darlington top scoring with 19* (18).

The match was in the balance with Australia at 5-39 when Darlington joined Palawa allrounder Anita Silva at the crease, the pair combining in a 31-run sixth wicket stand to see the visiting Australians home to a comfortable five wicket victory with 23 balls to spare.

Wiradjuri opener Callee Black (12 from 18) was the only other Australian batter to reach double figures, with Nasimana Navaika (2-7 from 4) Vanuatu's best with the ball.

Hannah Darlington lead the Australian side to victory with an unbeaten 19 (18). (Image: Vanuatu Cricket Association)

Earlier in the match Vanuatu's batters failed to post a competitive total, a steady flow of wickets seeing the hosts limp to 9-68 from their 20 overs.

Number three batter Ieimauri Chilia top scored with 15 (23), however she struggled to find support from her side's top order, with three of Vanuatu's top five batters dismissed without scoring.

Vanuatu's wickets were shared by six of Australia's seven bowlers, with Charlotte Toohey (2-6) Grace Adby (2-10) the pick of the Australian attack.

The win follows Australia's previous three victories against their Vanuatuan hosts in the week-long series held in Port Villa.

Following the match, Australian captain Hannah Darlington was awarded Player of the Tournament, having lead all batters in the series with 137 runs at an average of 68.50.

Anita Silva's patient 18* (32) was pivotal in Australia's fourth consecutive victory. (Image: supplied, Vanuatu Cricket Association)

In receiving her award, Darlington acknowledged the calibre of people involved on and off field in supporting the young Australian side.

"I have to thank our Cricket Australia staff," Darlington said.

"We came across with a good group and I always think better people are easier to work with than better cricketers.

"I've absolutely loved everything I've been able to do with you all."

Darlington also paid tribute to her Vanuatuan opposition, saying the tournament was one of the most enjoyable she's taken part in.

Australian and Vanuatuan players following the final match in the series. (Image: Vanuatu Cricket Association)

"This is easily some of the most enjoyable cricket I've ever played and that comes down to the team you guys (Vanuatu) have here," Darlington said.

"I think cricket's a hard enough sport at the best of times when you're playing against good people, it's actually really enjoyable.

"Thank you so much Selena (Vanuatu captain Selina Solman) and your team.

"I'm really excited to keep a close eye on how you guys go in the future."

The fourth consecutive victory for Darlington's side followed the Australian men's Indigenous XI's victory in the final match of their series, in which they defeated Vanuatu 3-1.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.