North Sydney Oval played host to game one of the WHITE FERNS three-match series against Australia's Southern Stars tonight.
Beaut evening here in Sydney! Toss at 6:40pm local time #whiteferns #ausvnz #strongertogether #cricketnation #WATCHME pic.twitter.com/I1b8afVlxu
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) September 29, 2018
The crowd is starting to filter in here at North Sydney Oval, it's a touch chilly but clear skies up above.
News from the toss - @SouthernStars win it and have asked us to have a bat first 🏏 #whiteferns #ausvnz #strongertogether #cricketnation #WATCHME pic.twitter.com/Ye2ZoZVaZT
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) September 29, 2018
It was a solid start from the Kiwis with Sophie Devine finding her groove early with some massive blows, including one huge six out of the ground!
BOOM! A massive SIX from Devine! Bat change required! #whiteferns #ausvnz #strongertogether #cricketnation #WATCHME pic.twitter.com/C8XcKlylkJ
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) September 29, 2018
A trickle of wickets stunted the WHITE FERNS scoring, however Katey Martin played a blinder at number five, to help New Zealand past the 150 mark.
Found a WHITE FERNS fan! #whiteferns #ausvnz #strongertogether #cricketnation #WATCHME pic.twitter.com/CFyXxdRsXc
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) September 29, 2018
Bernie Bezuidenhout added a couple of late sixes and Martin smashed her way past 50, finishing on 56* as the WHITE FERNS posted 162/5 from their 20 overs.
The WHITE FERNS struck early in the reply through Leigh Kasperek and a superb outfield catch from Maddy Green.
Sophie Devine then took charge with devastating effect in the third over.
BANG, BANG! @sophdevine77 the destroyer! Two wickets in her opening over puts the WHITE FERNS on top early in the chase. @SouthernStars 26/3 #ausvnz #strongertogether #whiteferns #watchme
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) September 29, 2018
It was a tight tussle in the middle overs, Australia reaching 80/4 at the halfway point setting up an exciting final stanza.
However, a solid partnership from Meg Lanning (56*) and Rachael Haynes (69*) proved the difference, Australia claiming victory in the 18th over by six wickets.
Next stop for the T20I series is Brisbane on Monday for game two.