Australia dominates New Zealand in opening one-dayer

Australia dominated all but one New Zealander to claim victory at Adelaide Oval today in the opening match of the women's one-day cricket series.

Australia won by 53 runs, despite the efforts of New Zealand opener Rebecca Rolls, to take a 1-0 lead in the six-game series.

Rolls smashed 61 from 67 balls but found little support as the Kiwis were bowled out for 151 from 46.4 overs in reply to Australia's 7-204 from 50 overs.

Only two other New Zealanders - Paula Flannery (21) and Rachel Pullar (27 not out) - made double figures.

Rolls, who struck nine boundaries, was the only Kiwi able to counter a pace bowling onslaught from Australian Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who claimed 2-13 from 7.4 overs.

Medium pacer Julie Hayes also bewildered batters in snaring 2-20 from 10 overs while Karen Rolton also took two wickets.

Earlier, Australian allrounder Melanie Jones top scored as the hosts compiled their competitive total.

Jones struck an aggressive 40, the English-born 29-year-old involved in a valuable 65-run partnership with Lisa Sthalekar for the fifth wicket.

The pair came together with Australia shaky at 4-93 in the 27th over but Sthalekar made a polished 33 to cap off contributions from captain Belinda Clark (27) and vice-captain Rolton (33).

New Zealander Haidee Tiffen collected the bowling honours with 3-32 from eight overs while Nicola Browne claimed 2-29 from 10 overs for the reigning World Cup champions.

The teams clash again tomorrow in a day-night fixture at Adelaide Oval.