Ellyse Perry Fifty Rescues Australia Chase

Ellyse Perry’s fifty helps Australia edge New Zealand in thrilling T20I opener.

Australia Survive Kiwi Scare In Sydney

Australia’s women had to dig deep and claw their way back from a precarious position to claim a nervous two-wicket victory over a young New Zealand side in the opening match of a three-match T20I series.

Though the reigning world champions eventually crossed the line with seven balls to spare, the manner of their near-collapse may prove an even bigger talking point.

In North Sydney, the first match saw the hosts, who were fancied by many as probable finalists, ease to a surprise win after a clinical chase which saw them fall short at the death before eventually being sent off with a six by Kim Garth

For a New Zealand team looking to move on from the loss of their superstars Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, the result was a positive one

What We Know So Far

• Result: Australia win by two wickets with seven balls remaining to take a 1-0 series lead.
• Score: Chasing 163 for victory, Australia stumbled early before recovering well with the bat, eventually winning thanks to a late boundary from Kim Garth.
• Plimmer’s debut: Young opener Georgia Plimmer struck a career-best 85 not out from 68 balls.
• Partnership: Plimmer and veteran Maddy Green (56 not out from 37 balls) batted together for the third wicket and put on 129 runs.
• Australia’s start: Chasing 163, Australia lost Georgia Voll lbw on the second ball of their innings
• Rescue act: Ellyse Perry and wicketkeeper Beth Mooney combined for 86. Mooney made 38 even after removing her contact lenses mid-game before a controversial run out ended her innings.
• Perry’s fifty: Perry made a well-timed fifty in only her 27th ball faced before being caught in the deep for 52.
• Australia’s wobble: At 145 for 7, Australia’s chase looked like it would be over when captain Sophie Molineux was bowled with only four runs needed.
• Winning run: Kim Garth hit the winning boundary to complete Australia’s nervy escape.
• Wicket-taking bowler: Jess Kerr took 3 for 25 for New Zealand.

Why It Matters

Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s best teams is built on their ability to close out matches like this one, and this performance may prove an eye-opener.

Their sloppy fielding and sudden batting collapse nearly saw them fall to a shock defeat to what on paper appeared to be a lower-ranked outfit. While the win is by no means a bad thing, the manner of it will certainly provide plenty of food for thought in the change room.

Perry’s experience proved her to be the match-winner once again. Her composed 50 in only 27 balls saw her overcome a shaky start and set up the winning total for her team, showing once again why Australia’s seniors are so valuable in high-pressure situations

While the focus may turn to Perry, it seems New Zealand will provide the main talking point. Plimmer’s 85 and her 129-run stand with Green suggest that this young side will not be as shaky as many pundits seemed to think after the loss of their big names.

A team not built to challenge the fancied finalists yet looking to push the reigning champions all the way to the final over is always an exciting prospect, and it seems New Zealand will provide just that.

The Bottom Line

Australia lead the series 1-0, but they may find the going a lot harder in the remaining two matches if they are to follow up this win with another victory. Unless the problems in the field and an inconsistent middle order are addressed, a confident New Zealand outfit will provide a stern test.

As for you, can Australia tighten up their game to keep their series lead, or will Plimmer’s New Zealand find an opportunity to draw level? Let us know in the comments below.