A disastrous batting performance from the ACT Meteors left them with a sour taste from an otherwise successful three-game series with Western Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Meteors were bowled out for just 76 in their Women's Twenty20 match with the Fury at Manuka Oval on Sunday, losing by nine wickets.
The Fury chased down the small target with 10 overs to spare.
The Meteors were already out of contention for the Twenty20 final, but still have a chance to reach the semi-finals of the 50-over Women's National Cricket League.
They need to beat Tasmania next Saturday and hope that the NSW Breakers defeat South Australia to squeeze into the top four.
The Meteors won their opening Twenty20 game against the Fury on Friday before securing a bonus-point in their crucial one-day victory on Saturday.
Meteors coach Andrew Dawson was disappointed with his team's performance, but knew it was largely inconsequential in the season.
"To be completely honest about it, we won the game that counts and getting the bonus point as well," Dawson said.
"That's the one that keeps us alive for the semi-finals.
"The T20 cricket matches are about giving players experience and more opportunities."
The Meteors slumped to 3-11 as their top three batters Jenny Taffs, Katie Mack and captain Kris Britt fell cheaply.
The trio had given the side a superb start in the previous two games.
Rhiannon Dick top-scored with 20 from 23 balls, while Sara Hungerford and Kate Owen were the only others in double figures.
"We've seen what happens when the top order don't score runs and the middle order miss out," Dawson said.
"The objective was to be very aggressive, but due credit to the Western Australian bowlers, they took the pace off the ball.
"If you lose your top three batters in your first six overs you're basically cooked."
WT20: Western Fury 1-78 bt ACT Meteors 76 at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
