Ellyse Perry starred with a rapid half-century as Australia edged past New Zealand by two wickets in a thrilling opening T20I of the three-match series at North Sydney Oval. Chasing a target of 163, Australia overcame a late batting collapse to reach 165 for 8 with seven balls to spare. Perry smashed 52 off just 30 deliveries, providing the backbone of Australia's chase after the hosts suffered an early setback. However, regular wickets in the middle and death overs threatened to derail the innings before Australia eventually secured a hard-fought victory. New Zealand, batting first after being asked to do so, posted a competitive 162 for 2 in their 20 overs. Georgia Plimmer led the way with an unbeaten 85 off 68 balls, while Maddy Green contributed an impressive 56 not out from 37 deliveries. The pair shared an unbroken 129-run partnership to give their side a strong total. Perry and Mooney Steady Australia's Chase Australia's pursuit began poorly when Georgia Voll was dismissed for a duck on the second ball of the innings, trapped leg before wicket by Bree Illing. However, Perry and Beth Mooney quickly took control, combining aggressive stroke play with effective running between the wickets. The duo added 86 runs for the second wicket, shifting the momentum towards Australia. Mooney, despite struggling with her contact lenses and enduring a difficult outing behind the stumps, looked comfortable with the bat before a bizarre run-out ended her innings at 38. Perry continued to attack and brought up her half-century in just 27 balls, highlighted by a superb straight drive. Her dismissal soon afterwards, however, sparked a dramatic collapse as she picked out a fielder off Jess Kerr's bowling. New Zealand Fight Back as Australia Lose Their Way Jess Kerr emerged as a key figure for New Zealand, finishing with figures of 3 for 25 from four overs. She dismissed Perry and later removed Ashleigh Gardner, who scored a quick cameo before being given out leg before wicket following a review. Australia continued to lose wickets, including Nicola Carey, who was run out following a mix-up, and the hosts slumped to 145 for 7 in the 16th over. Captain Sophie Molineux attempted to guide Australia home but was bowled by Rosemary Mair while attempting a lap sweep, leaving four runs still required. Kim Garth then settled the contest with a beautifully timed square drive to the boundary, sealing Australia's two-wicket victory. Plimmer and Green Shine for New Zealand Despite the defeat, New Zealand can take considerable encouragement from their performance as they begin a new era following the retirements of experienced stars Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu. Opening batter Plimmer delivered a career-best T20I performance, showing patience early before accelerating to finish unbeaten on 85. Green provided excellent support, reaching her half-century off 33 balls and increasing the scoring rate towards the end of the innings. New Zealand's inexperienced batting line-up suffered an early setback when Kim Garth bowled Flora Devonshire, but Plimmer and Green rebuilt confidently to take the visitors to a competitive total. Australia's bowlers struggled to contain the partnership, while captain Melie Kerr conceded 50 runs in her four overs. However, Jess Kerr's late breakthroughs nearly turned the match in New Zealand's favour. Australia Overcome Injury Concerns Australia were without batter Phoebe Litchfield, who missed the match because of a hip injury, with Tahlia McGrath coming into the side. Left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton also returned from injury but finished wicketless, conceding 23 runs in two overs. Hamilton nevertheless produced one of Australia's best fielding moments, taking an excellent diving catch at fine leg to dismiss Melie Kerr. While Australia will be relieved to begin the series with a victory, their inconsistent batting and missed opportunities in the field will remain areas of concern. New Zealand, meanwhile, will take confidence from pushing the world champions to the brink and will look to level the series in the next match. Result: Australia 165/8 in 18.5 overs beat New Zealand 162/2 by two wickets. Top performers: Ellyse Perry (Australia): 52 off 30 balls Georgia Plimmer (New Zealand): 85 not out off 68 balls Maddy Green (New Zealand): 56 not out off 37 balls Jess Kerr (New Zealand): 3/25