Australia clinches narrow two-wicket victory against New Zealand after mid-order collapse in opening women's T20

Australia secured a close two-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 International at North Sydney Oval, finishing with 165-8 against New Zealand's 162-2. Despite a strong start, Australia suffered a significant collapse after veteran Beth Mooney was run out, leading to the loss of seven wickets for 62 runs. Ellyse Perry contributed a swift half-century but was dismissed at 52. New Zealand's Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green put up a strong unbeaten partnership of 127 runs, with Plimmer achieving a career-best 85. Australia held on to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Rose Bowl series, with two games remaining at the same venue.