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Veteran Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry's half-century powered Australia to a two-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series at North Sydney on Sunday.
Chasing 163 runs, Australia faced a collapse, losing four of their wickets for 40 runs after a fine start, but an 86-run stand between Beth Mooney and Perry for the second wicket which took place just before this collapse, served as a cushion for the T20 World Champions. Australia won the toss and elected to field first. Kim Garth (1/34) and Annabel Sutherland (1/28) struck, reducing White Ferns to 35/2. Half-centuries from Georgia Plimmer (85* in 68 balls, with 10 fours and a six) and Maddy Green (56* in 37 balls, with six fours and a six) guided NZ to 162/2 in 20 overs. Georgia Voll was removed for a two-ball duck by Bree Illing. However, Mooney (38 in 25 balls, with six fours) and Perry (52 in 30 balls, with nine fours) carried on, stitching an 86-run stand for the second wicket. After their dismissals, Jess Kerr (3/26) and Melie Kerr (1/50) reduced Australia to 142/6 from 102/2. Tahlia McGrath (6*), skipper Sophie Molineux (11) and Kim Garth (4*) delivered valuable runs, escaping a defeat by two wickets and seven balls in hand. Despite the loss, Plimmer took home the 'Player of the Match' award. (ANI)
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