Perry’s fifty helps Australia edge New Zealand in thrilling T20I opener

Sydney, 18 October 2026: Ellyse Perry’s attacking half-century helped Australia Women overcome a dramatic middle-order collapse to secure a two-wicket win over New Zealand Women in the opening T20I of the three-match series at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.

Chasing 163, Australia reached 165/8 in 18.5 overs, with Perry’s 52 off 30 balls laying the foundation for victory before New Zealand's bowlers threatened an unlikely comeback.

Australia suffered an early setback when Georgia Voll departed for a duck in the opening over. However, Perry and Beth Mooney counterattacked with an 86-run second-wicket partnership, taking the hosts to 57/1 at the end of the powerplay.

Perry struck nine boundaries during her aggressive innings, reaching her half-century off 27 deliveries, while Mooney contributed 38 off 25 balls before being run out.

At 102/2 after 10 overs, Australia appeared comfortably placed, requiring 61 runs from the remaining 60 deliveries with eight wickets intact.

However, New Zealand fought back through Jess Kerr, who dismissed Perry before removing Ashleigh Gardner (23) and Annabel Sutherland (9) in the 15th over.

The hosts subsequently slipped from 141/4 to 145/7, exposing their middle order to pressure despite the strong platform established by Perry and Mooney.

Australian captain Sophie Molineux briefly relieved the pressure with 11 off five deliveries before Rosemary Mair bowled her, leaving Australia at 159/8.

Tahlia McGrath and Kim Garth then guided the hosts across the finish line, remaining unbeaten on six and four respectively.

Jess Kerr was New Zealand’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/25 from four overs.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 162/2 after being asked to bat first, recovering from the early dismissals of Flora Devonshire (1) and captain Melie Kerr (9).

Georgia Plimmer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 85 off 68 balls, including 10 fours and a six, while Maddy Green provided valuable support with an unbeaten 56 off 37 deliveries.

The pair shared an unbroken 127-run third-wicket partnership after New Zealand had slipped to 35/2 in the seventh over.

For Australia, Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland claimed one wicket apiece, while Molineux and Georgia Wareham conceded just 25 runs each from their four overs.

Despite Australia's victory, their late collapse highlighted an area requiring improvement, while New Zealand will draw confidence from their bowling response.

Plimmer was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten knock.

Australia lead the series 1-0, with the second T20I scheduled at the same venue on Tuesday, 20 October.

Scores in brief:

Australia beat New Zealand by two wickets

New Zealand Women 162/2 in 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 85*, Maddy Green 56*; Annabel Sutherland 1/28)

Australia Women 165/8 in 18.5 overs (Ellyse Perry 52, Beth Mooney 38; Jess Kerr 3/25)

Player of the match - Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand)