The White Ferns took a massive step towards reaching the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20 after beating Australia by seven runs in their opening match at Sylhet Divisional Stadium in Bangladesh yesterday.
Starting as the underdogs against the defending champion, the New Zealanders posted 128, with Katie Perkins top-scoring with 31.
They then took wickets at key moments, overcoming 41 from Alyssa Healy and bowling out Australia with three balls left in the innings.
The White Ferns will now progress to the semifinals if they can win two of their three remaining pool matches, against Ireland, Pakistan and South Africa.
Having been asked to bat first, the White Ferns were put under pressure early, with captain Suzie Bates dismissed for just five.
Cameos from Frances Mackay (25) and Sara McGlashan (15) settled things down nicely, before Perkins came in and anchored the innings through to the 17th over.
The finishing touches were added by Nicola Browne, who belted a crucial 29 from 19 balls to elevate the White Ferns past the 120 mark.
Her player-of-the-match effort was highlighted by three fours and a six, and gave her side a competitive total to defend.
In reply, Australia tried to build momentum but was hamstrung by the loss of regular wickets.
The White Ferns were buoyed by the early dismissal of the dangerous Meg Lanning, for two, but the run-a-ball 41 from Healy kept Australia on track early.
Following Healy's dismissal in the 11th over, Alex Blackwell (31) saw Australia through to 105 for six at the start of the 17th over.
Her dismissal two balls later, via a run-out from Katey Martin, was the turning point, with the White Ferns restricting the tail and claiming the victory three balls into the final over.
It was a joint effort with the ball for the White Ferns, Holly Huddleston finishing with two for 23, while the other five bowlers all took a wicket apiece.
The White Ferns play their next match against Ireland tonight from 10.30pm (NZ time).
