Australia defeated New Zealand Women by two wickets in the first T20I of their three-match series at North Sydney Oval, Sydney, on October 18, 2026, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Chasing a target of 163, Australia reached 165 for 8 in 18.5 overs, completing the win with seven balls to spare.
Ellyse Perry's 52 and Beth Mooney's 38 were the standout contributions with the bat as Australia navigated a testing run chase. New Zealand had posted 162 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs, a total that kept the hosts under sustained pressure throughout and saw them lose wickets at regular intervals before eventually crossing the line.
Jess Kerr was the pick of the New Zealand bowling attack, finishing with figures of 3 for 25 to keep the contest alive deep into the chase. Australia, however, held their nerve to seal the result and open their account in the series.
How did New Zealand build their total of 162 for 2?
New Zealand's innings was built on an outstanding unbroken partnership between Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green. Plimmer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 85 off 68 balls, providing the platform from which her side could accelerate, while Green played a far more aggressive hand, striking an unbeaten 56 off just 37 balls to push the total beyond 160.
The pair's unbroken stand ensured New Zealand posted a competitive 162 for 2 across their full 20 overs. That total proved challenging enough to put Australia under consistent pressure throughout the chase, with the visitors' bowlers keeping themselves in the contest right until the closing stages of the innings.
Kerr's three-wicket haul with the ball further underlined New Zealand's competitive showing on the day, even though Australia ultimately found a way through to claim the opening match of the series.
What does this result mean for the remainder of the series?
Australia now hold a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series, with the second and third fixtures both scheduled at North Sydney Oval on October 20 and October 22, 2026. New Zealand must win the next match to keep the series alive heading into the final game.
The result adds further weight to Australia's standing as the dominant force in women's cricket at present. Australia won the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in June-July 2026, confirming their position at the top of the global game. New Zealand, who were the defending champions heading into that tournament, were eliminated in the group stage and will be eager to produce a stronger showing in the two remaining fixtures at the same venue.
Both sides will return to North Sydney Oval in two days, with New Zealand needing an improved batting and bowling performance to level the series and set up a decider.
