Australia Women beat New Zealand Women by two wickets with seven balls remaining in the opening T20I on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Georgia Plimmer earned Player of the Match honours for her standout 85, but Ellyse Perry’s 52 helped Australia reach 165/8 in 18.5 overs, overhauling New Zealand’s 162/2 in a closely fought start to the tour’s international fixtures.

Plimmer and Green drive New Zealand to 162

Plimmer supplied the innings’ defining contribution, scoring 85 as New Zealand lost only two wickets across their 20 overs. Maddy Green added 56, giving the visitors two substantial individual performances around which to build their total.

Together, Plimmer and Green contributed 141 runs to New Zealand’s 162/2. That combined output underlined their importance, while Melie Kerr added nine runs.

Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth claimed one wicket apiece for Australia. Nicola Carey finished without a wicket as New Zealand preserved wickets effectively and set a target of 163.

Perry leads Australia’s successful chase

Perry’s 52 anchored Australia’s reply, with Beth Mooney contributing 38 and Ashleigh Gardner adding 23. Their combined 113 runs provided the bulk of the chase, but New Zealand’s wicket-taking kept the contest alive.

Jess Kerr led that resistance with three wickets, while Bree Illing and Rosemary Mair claimed one each. Australia’s eight wickets lost, compared with New Zealand’s two, told the story of a much more precarious innings.

Ultimately, Australia balanced that risk with enough scoring momentum. They reached 165/8 after 18.5 overs, securing victory before the final over despite having only two wickets in hand.

Key performers

  • Georgia Plimmer: 85 runs for New Zealand and Player of the Match.
  • Maddy Green: 56 runs in New Zealand’s 162/2.
  • Ellyse Perry: 52 runs in Australia’s successful chase.
  • Beth Mooney: 38 runs for Australia.
  • Ashleigh Gardner: 23 runs for Australia.
  • Jess Kerr: Three wickets for New Zealand; Bree Illing and Rosemary Mair took one each.
  • Annabel Sutherland and Kim Garth: One wicket each for Australia.

NerdSports Stat: Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green supplied 141 of New Zealand’s 162 runs—87.0% of the entire innings total between just two batters.

Tour context and what comes next

New Zealand entered the international fixtures after a 19-run DLS defeat to GGXI-W in the October 15 warm-up. That tour match does not count towards the international series.

This opening T20I does not decide the series. The listed T20 series standing after the match is level at 0-0, with Australia and New Zealand meeting again on Tuesday, October 20, and Thursday, October 22. The tour’s three ODIs follow on March 5, 7 and 9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between Australia Women and New Zealand Women?

Australia Women won the match by two wickets with seven balls remaining, reaching 165/8 in reply to New Zealand Women’s 162/2.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Georgia Plimmer was named Player of the Match for her 85 runs for New Zealand Women.

What is the series standing after this match?

The listed T20 series standing is level at 0-0 after the opening match, with two T20Is still to come.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Georgia Plimmer top-scored with 85 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

Australia Women face New Zealand Women in the second T20I on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.