• Australia Women defeated New Zealand Women by five wickets in the 1st T20I at Mackay.

  • Phoebe Litchfield delivered a stunning batting performance and was named the Player of the Match.

Phoebe Litchfield’s heroics lead Australia to win over New Zealand in the 1st T20I
Australia (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

Phoebe Litchfield delivered a stunning batting performance in the 1st T20I between Australia Women and New Zealand Women at Mackay, helping Australia secure a 5-wicket victory with 8 balls to spare. Litchfield played a match-winning knock of 64* off 43 balls, showcasing her consistency and composure under pressure. Her 11 boundaries helped Australia easily chase the target of 144, and she was rightfully named the Player of the Match for her brilliant performance.

New Zealand Women’s batting struggles to set a high target

New Zealand Women, led by Suzie Bates, posted 143/7 in their 20 overs. Bates top-scored with 33 off 27 balls, while Maddy Green contributed 35 off 33. However, their innings lacked big partnerships, with wickets falling regularly. Georgia Plimmer (11), Amelia Kerr (7) and Brooke Halliday (5) struggled to build momentum. Leigh Kasperek‘s (14) and Jess Kerr (11*) contributions helped New Zealand reach a competitive total. Australia’s bowlers, led by Megan Schutt and Sophie Molineux, kept the scoring rate under control.

Also READ: Phoebe Litchfield reveals her three favourite cricketers ft. Smriti Mandhana

Australian bowlers keep New Zealand in check

Australia’s bowling unit performed well, restricting New Zealand to 143. Schutt was economical, taking 1 wicket for 23 runs in her 4 overs. Molineux also impressed with her 1/19 in 4 overs. Tayla Vlaeminck was a bit expensive, giving away 36 runs but picked up a crucial wicket. Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland also chipped in with a wicket each. Their collective effort ensured that New Zealand couldn’t post an imposing total despite their best efforts.

Australia’s chase anchored by Phoebe Litchfield

Australia’s chase started shakily with early wickets falling. Beth Mooney (13), Alyssa Healy (17), Ellyse Perry (8) and Tahlia McGrath (6) were dismissed cheaply, putting pressure on the team. However, Litchfield stood firm, anchoring the innings with a fluent 64* off 43 balls. Wareham provided valuable support with 26 off 20 before being dismissed. Litchfield’s remarkable stroke play and calm approach guided Australia to victory, with Sutherland (4*) hitting the winning runs.

Also READ: Grace Harris throws an indirect dig at Steve Smith, David Warner over the ‘sandpaper’ saga

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Australia Featured New Zealand Phoebe Litchfield T20

For latest women cricket news and updates, Follow Us.

About the Author:
AMAR PAL SINGH BHALLA
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.