Ash Gardner stars as T20 world champions resume cricket with win

Australia’s Megan Schutt took two vital wickets in the closing stages as the world champions beat New Zealand by 17 runs in Saturday’s opening T20 clash in Brisbane.

With the visitors closing in on Australia’s total of 138, Schutt claimed the vital wickets of Katey Martin and Suzie Bates in the 18th over to leave the Kiwis struggling at 105/5.

They were unable to regain momentum and the hosts eased to a comfortable win in their first match since winning the World Cup in March.

The Australians reached their total with the loss of six wickets thanks to a superb 61 from Ash Gardner, who smashed six boundaries and cleared the fence three times in 41 balls.

“I thought we fought really nicely, initially with the bat,”…