Perry powers nervy Australia to 1-0 lead

There were several twists with Australia losing regular wickets to slump to 145 for 7 in the 163 chase

By Tristan Lavalette · Espncricinfo

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 12:04 PM

Key Things to Know

Australia defeated New Zealand by two wickets to secure a 1-0 series lead.
Ellyse Perry top-scored for Australia with a 30-ball 52 during a nervy run chase.
Georgia Plimmer made an unbeaten 85 to guide New Zealand to 162 for 2.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ellyse Perry scored a rapid 52 off 30 balls to guide Australia to a tense two-wicket victory over New Zealand at North Sydney Oval, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 series. Chasing 163, Australia overcame a late batting collapse that saw them slump to 145 for 7 before reaching 165 for 8 with seven balls to spare.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 162 for 2 courtesy of an unbeaten 129-run partnership between Georgia Plimmer, who scored a career-best 85 not out, and Maddy Green, who contributed an unbeaten 56. Despite Jess Kerr claiming 3 for 25 to trigger Australia's middle-order wobble, Kim Garth struck the winning boundary.

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Perry powers nervy Australia to 1-0 lead

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