Australia edges New Zealand by two wickets in T20I series opener

Australia secured a two-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first women's T20I of a three-match series at North Sydney Oval. Chasing a target of 163, Australia survived a late-order collapse to win with seven balls remaining.

Ellyse Perry led the Australian chase with a 52-run half-century off 30 balls. Earlier, Perry and Beth Mooney (38) shared an 86-run partnership for the second wicket. However, New Zealand's Jess Kerr (3/26) triggered a significant middle-order slump, reducing Australia to 142/6. The match was ultimately decided by Kim Garth, who hit the winning four.

Earlier in the match, New Zealand posted 162/2 after electing to bat first. Georgia Plimmer scored a career-best 85 not out, supported by Maddy Green's 56 not out, in an unbroken 129-run partnership. Georgia Plimmer was named Player of the Match for her performance.