Records Tumble As Australia Women Win Again

Captain Karen Rolton's eighth international century and a second to opener Alex Blackwell headlined a record-breaking day for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars as they cruised to a 118-run win against India at Manuka Oval.Rolton's century (101) set the world record for the most number of One Day International centuries by a woman. Her first century in more than three years was scored off just 91 balls and helped the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars post 281 for three, their highest score against India.Blackwell's second One Day International century was brought up in the 49th over with twin sister Kate at the non-striker's end. On both occasions when she has reached triple figures at international level, Alex has had Kate at the other end to congratulate her.In reply, India was bowled out for 163 in the 46th over after again failing to mount a serious run chase."I had a good off-season, so I was really looking forward to this series. I hit the ball well in the Twenty20 match and was disappointed over the couple of games because I had plenty of opportunities but didn't take my chances to get a big score," Rolton said."As a team, we wanted to work on a few things today, especially with our batting. We wanted to try and score 300, so we fell just short of that."Bowling wise, I thought everyone did well. It was good to get a few more overs out of Leah Poulton and she managed to get her first international wicket. Emma Sampson and Ellyse Perry bowled really well to get two and three wickets each, and to finish with a couple of run outs was very pleasing."Rolton's feat was one of many on a remarkable day for Australian women's cricket. Among the day's other milestones:* The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars recorded their highest score against India (281-3)* Two players scored centuries in the same One Day International innings for Australia for the first time against a top-four ranked nation* Alex Blackwell scored her second international century and highest score (106 not out from 145) and carried her bat through the innings;* Rolton and Blackwell recorded the second highest partnership (166) for Australia against India for any wicket* Leah Poulton claimed her first international wicket.After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars posted 281 for three with Rolton and Blackwell's contributions ensuring the home team posted a huge total.India's innings began disastrously with MD Thiruskamini run out off a no-ball in the fourth over.For the third match in a row, India's chase never threatened the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars. By the 17th over, India had slumped to 51 for four with star batter Mithali Raj dismissed for 22. Despite a spirited 56-run partnership between Anagha Deshpande and Priyanka Roy, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars were able to keep the pair's efforts in check before cruising to another emphatic win.Ellyse Perry led the wicket-takers for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars with 3-21, while Emma Sampson took 2-24.The final match of the series will be played at Manuka Oval in Canberra.