Jess Jonassen comes to Australia’s rescue with bat and ball in thrilling ODI win over New Zealand

Australia looked down and out in the first women’s ODI clash against New Zealand before Jess Jonassen stepped up with two crucial wickets as the home team prevailed in Perth.

Jess Jonassen in action against New Zealand.

Australia overcame a major scare to beat New Zealand by five runs in its women’s ODI clash at the WACA on Friday.

Chasing 242 for victory, New Zealand was on track for victory after cruising to 4-188, needing 54 runs from the final 53 balls.

But Australian spinner Jess Jonassen put the brakes on the White Fern’s victory bid, finishing with figures of 4-43 off 10 overs to help drag her side over the line.

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Jonassen snared the key scalps of Katie Perkins (48) and Amy Satterthwaite (92) as NZ finished on 9-236.

New Zealand needed seven runs off the final two balls, but couldn’t get the job done. The result gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The White Ferns hasn’t won the Rose Bowl Trophy since 1999, and that drought will extend to a 20th year if they can’t beat Australia in Adelaide on Sunday.

Katie Perkins reacts after being caught and bowled by Jess Jonassen.

Jess Jonassen celebrates a wicket with teammates.

Australia’s total of 241 was its lowest ODI score since 2016. Rachael Haynes, who was promoted to open in the absence of Nicole Bolton, made 67 off 80 balls on a green-top deck.

But the rest of Australia’s high-profile top and middle order failed to fire.

Meg Lanning (six), Alyssa Healy (four), Ellyse Perry (six) and Beth Mooney (13) all went cheaply as Australia slumped to 5-125 in the 29th over.

Lanning was dismissed after Satterthwaite pulled off a remarkable one-handed catch at first slip.

Solid knocks from Ashleigh Gardner (34 off 36 balls) and Jonassen (36 off 32) ensured the home side reached a competitive total.

Star Kiwi all-rounder Sophie Devine finished with 3-32 from her 10 overs, while right-arm quick Lea Tahuhu (1-36) and Rosemary Mair (2-35) set the tone early.

Australian speedster Nicola Carey was ruled out of the match with a back injury, but hopes to play in Sunday’s second ODI in Adelaide.

Amy Satterthwaite almost got New Zealand over the line.

Elyse Villani in action for Australia against New Zealand.

Originally published as Jess Jonassen comes to Australia’s rescue with bat and ball in thrilling ODI win over New Zealand