Australia Women held their nerve to defeat New Zealand Women by two wickets in the first T20I at North Sydney Oval on Sunday, October 18, chasing down a target of 163 with seven balls remaining to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 163, Australia finished on 165/8 in 18.5 overs after a late collapse threatened to derail their innings. Ellyse Perry's half-century and Beth Mooney's contribution proved decisive as the hosts recovered from an early setback before losing wickets in quick succession during the closing stages.
New Zealand had earlier posted 162/2 in their allotted 20 overs, built around unbeaten half-centuries from Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green. Their strong finish gave the visitors a competitive total, but Australia found a way to secure the opening victory.
Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green Power New Zealand to 162
After being asked to bat, New Zealand lost Flora Devonshire early before captain Amelia Kerr departed for nine. Plimmer and Green then steadied the innings with an unbeaten partnership that transformed the visitors' position.
Plimmer led the scoring with an unbeaten 85 off 68 deliveries, including 10 fours and a six. Green provided excellent support, finishing on 56 not out from 37 balls with six fours and a six.
The pair added 127 runs without being separated, lifting New Zealand to 162/2 at the end of their innings. Their partnership gave the visitors a solid platform, although Australia ultimately managed to chase down the target.
Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney Anchor Australia's Chase
Australia suffered an early setback when Georgia Voll was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Ellyse Perry and Mooney responded with an important partnership that brought the hosts back on track.
Perry scored 52 off 30 balls, hitting nine fours, while Mooney made 38 from 25 deliveries. Their 86-run stand put Australia in a strong position before Mooney was run out and Perry was dismissed shortly afterwards.
Australia continued to lose wickets as the chase entered its decisive phase. Georgia Wareham scored 10, while Ashleigh Gardner added 23 from 17 balls. Further dismissals left the hosts under pressure, but they remained within reach of the target.
Kim Garth struck the boundary that completed the chase, taking Australia to 165/8 in 18.5 overs. The result gave the home side a 1-0 advantage in the series despite New Zealand's strong batting performance.
Australia Women vs New Zealand Women: Score Summary
New Zealand Women — 162/2 in 20 overs
Georgia Plimmer — 85 not out off 68 balls
Maddy Green — 56 not out off 37 balls
Amelia Kerr — 9
Extras — 11
Australia Women — 165/8 in 18.5 overs
Ellyse Perry — 52 off 30 balls
Beth Mooney — 38 off 25 balls
Ashleigh Gardner — 23 off 17 balls
Georgia Wareham — 10
Result: Australia Women won by two wickets, with seven balls remaining.
Series: Australia Women lead the three-match T20I series 1-0.
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney.
What Next for Australia and New Zealand?
The teams will meet again in the second T20I on Tuesday, October 20, as New Zealand look to level the series and Australia aim to extend their lead.
New Zealand will take confidence from Plimmer and Green's partnership but will need to find a way to defend a competitive total against Australia's batting depth. For Australia, the narrow victory offers an opportunity to review the late collapse while carrying the momentum of a winning start into the next match.
With one game played and two remaining, the second T20I will be important for New Zealand's chances of keeping the series alive.
