Sydney [Australia], October 18 (ANI): 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)
Perry shines as Australia beat NZ by two wickets in 1st T20I
