Australia Prevails Over New Zealand In Thrilling T20 Match

Australia has secured a ninth consecutive Twenty20 win against their closest rivals, New Zealand, overcoming a spirited chase from the White Ferns to clinch an eight-run victory in Wellington. This game, played on March 26, 2025, showcased the defending T20 world champions fighting back after being put under pressure by key performances from Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green.

Batting first, Australia set a formidable total of 180 runs for four wickets at Sky Stadium. The star of the innings was Georgia Voll, who scored a brilliant 75 runs off 57 balls, contributing significantly to the team's success. Despite being dropped six times during her innings, her proactive engagement in batting laid a solid foundation for the team. Voll's innings included nine boundaries, and she partnered effectively with Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield, with scores of 21 and 26 respectively.

The drama unfolded when Australia lost their first wicket at 71 runs. Voll formed crucial partnerships, starting with a 64-run opening stand with Mooney, followed by a 54-run collaboration with Litchfield. Even after surviving several missed chances, Voll made her mark, ultimately outdone by an unanticipated delivery from New Zealand captain Suzie Bates in the 15th over.

Ellyse Perry, the experienced Australian allrounder, also made a notable contribution, finishing unbeaten on 32 runs. Tahlia McGrath provided some late fireworks, scoring 14 runs from just five balls, pushing the Australian total to a formidable level. Despite some tight bowling from New Zealand's Rosemary Mair and Suzie Bates, who both claimed one wicket each, the collective effort from Australia postured a competitive target.

In response, New Zealand's innings started tumultuously, losing their first two wickets early to quick strikes from Australia's Megan Schutt, who made history by becoming the first woman to reach 150 T20I wickets. By the ninth over, the White Ferns found themselves languishing at 54 for four, seemingly adrift in their chase for 181. However, a brave recovery led by Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green reignited their hopes.

Green scored a blistering 62 runs off just 35 balls, hitting an impressive five sixes along the way. Her partnership with Amelia Kerr was pivotal, totaling 99 runs for the fifth wicket, marking a new record for New Zealand. Kerr herself contributed a solid 66 runs, standing at the crease with resilience. Unfortunately for the hosts, after Green's dismissal, New Zealand faltered, finishing their innings at 172 runs for eight wickets.

Amidst the intense chase, it was Annabel Sutherland who delivered a stellar performance for Australia, claiming three wickets in a critical spell during the 19th over, decisively turning the game in favor of her team. Her figures ended at 4-35, marking her as one of the standout bowlers.

Despite the loss, the effort from the New Zealand side displayed their fighting spirit. The game concluded with New Zealand’s required twenty runs off the final over, highlighting missed opportunities that could have swayed the match in their favor, particularly due to their fielding errors.

Reflecting on her innings, Voll noted the fortune she had, joking, "I think I'm going to head to the lotto store and buy one after this game," acknowledging the dropped catches that were pivotal in her innings.

The match ended with Australia completing a clean sweep of the series, showcasing their dominance in the short format and reaffirming their rivalry with New Zealand. They remain undefeated against the White Ferns in T20s since March 30, 2021. The Australian team will look to carry this momentum forward into future series as they continue to assert their dominance in women’s cricket.