Meg Lanning’s side break world record for most consecutive ODI wins

Ricky Ponting’s all-conquering 2003 team has been bettered by a classy Australian women’s side, who have not lost in 1253 days.

The Australian women’s cricket team has broken the world record for most consecutive ODI victories, bettering Ricky Ponting’s all-conquering 2003 side.

Meg Lanning’s side registered their 22nd consecutive ODI win on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by six wickets in Mount Maunganui.

Watch Live Coverage of The 2020/21 Marsh Sheffield Shield on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Australia has not lost a 50-over match since October 2017, their winning streak including series victories over India, Pakistan, New Zealand, England, the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

The previous record was set by the Australian men’s team in 2003, which included their unbeaten World Cup campaign in Africa.

Australia haven't lost an ODI in 1253 days. An incredible feat. #NZvAUShttps://t.co/XXgBmkHKNu

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) April 4, 2021

Congratulations 🎉 to the @AusWomenCricket on breaking the World Record for the most consecutive ODI wins!! 22 in a row, over three years in the making & a pandemic in the middle. They beat @RickyPonting’s side!! Amazing effort by the entire team & support staff.

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) April 4, 2021

That's how you set a world record. A chase of power and poise from Australia#NZvAUS

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) April 4, 2021

“I’m sure they want to be regarded and remembered as one of Australia’s best sporting teams — male or female,” Ponting told cricket.com.au this week.

“Their performances for five or six years now certainly has backed that up.

“I guess they probably have had more of a chance to think about it than what we did. Ours seemed to happen quite quickly and we were playing games (in quick succession), but they’ve had a long time now sitting on this equal number of wins to think about it.”

LONGEST ODI WINNING STREAKS

22* — Australia Women, 2018-2021

21 — Australia Men, 2003

17 — Australia Women, 1997-1999

16 — Australia Women, 1999-2000

16 — India Women, 2016-2017

Australia celebrate their tenth wicket.

After being asked to bat first, the New Zealanders were cruising at 2/159 after 38 overs with opener Lauren Down recording a career-best 90.

But the Kiwis lost 8/53 in a horror collapse at the death before eventually being bowled out for 212.

Australian seamers Megan Schutt and Nicola Carey were the chief destroyers with the ball, claiming 4/32 and 3/34 respectively.

Australia show once again what a champion ODI side they are. New Zealand were cruising at 159/2, but pressure and consistently bowling tight lines just saw a collapse. Megan Schutt and Nicola Carey, brilliant. Lauren Down should have scored a hundred. #NZvAUS

— Arjun (@ArjunNamboo) April 4, 2021

READ MORE: Cricket world roasts embarrassing photo

In response, the visitors lost two early wickets with opener Rachael Haynes and captain Meg Lanning dismissed in the Powerplay.

But powerhouse batter Alyssa Healy and all-rounder Ellyse Perry combined for a crucial 78-run partnership to prevent an early collapse.

Healy finished on 65, her 68-ball knock featuring seven boundaries and two sixes, while Perry guided the tourists home with a classy 56 not out.

It was her 28th half-century in ODI cricket, the third most for any Australian woman in history.

She was well-supported by the explosive Ash Gardner, who cracked an unbeaten 53 off just 40 balls to help Australia reach the target with 69 balls to spare.

Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the second game scheduled for Wednesday.