Australia vs New Zealand Women T20I | Internet, Oct. 20: Australia defeated New Zealand by two wickets in the opening women’s T20 International at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
Ellyse Perry’s 52 off 30 balls helped Australia chase down 163 with seven balls remaining. The victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
However, Australia’s chase became tense after a series of wickets in the middle and lower order. Perry and Beth Mooney had earlier established control with an 86-run partnership.
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New Zealand posted 162 for two after being asked to bat first. Georgia Plimmer scored an unbeaten 85, while Maddy Green contributed 56 not out.
Australia vs New Zealand Women T20I | Perry and Mooney Lead Australia’s Successful Chase
New Zealand lost Flora Devonshire and captain Amelia Kerr early. Plimmer and Green then combined for an unbeaten 127-run partnership to rebuild the innings.
Plimmer’s 85 came off 68 balls, marking a career-best T20I score. Green struck 56 from 37 deliveries as New Zealand finished strongly.
Australia began their chase poorly when Georgia Voll fell for a duck. Perry and Mooney responded with aggressive batting and smart running between the wickets.
Perry reached her half-century in just 27 balls. Her innings included nine boundaries and helped Australia maintain the required scoring rate.
Mooney scored 38 from 25 balls before being run out.
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Perry later fell to Jess Kerr, who finished with three wickets for 25 runs.
Ashleigh Gardner added 23 from 17 balls, while Sophie Molineux contributed 11 from five deliveries. However, New Zealand continued taking wickets and pushed Australia towards a tense finish.
Rosemary Mair dismissed Molineux with four runs still required. Kim Garth then struck a boundary to seal Australia’s victory at 165 for eight in 18.5 overs.
Perry said Australia could have finished the chase more clinically. She nevertheless praised the opening partnership and the team’s attacking approach.
New Zealand’s strong batting performance offered encouragement despite the defeat. Plimmer’s innings earned her the Player of the Match award.
Australia will face New Zealand in the second T20I at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday, October 20. The third match is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at the same venue.
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