Sensational figures of 4-7 from Leigh Kasperek have propelled the WHITE FERNS to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the opening Twenty20 at the Basin Reserve.
See the reaction and scenes as it unfolded
The visitors struggled to cope with the drift and spin of Kasperek, who was instrumental in limiting them to 113/7 as she delivered a career-best four wickets for just seven runs off three overs.
Leigh Kasperek's bowling saw her named player of the match
In reply, the WHITE FERNS top order got enough starts to negotiate their way to the target off 18.3 overs, putting them up 1-0 in the three-match series.
Skipper Suzie Bates won the toss and opted to bowl first in sunny Wellington conditions.
Here's our captain @SuzieWBates with our team news #WFvAUS #T20 @BasinReserve Livescores: https://t.co/h2L1dFmKED pic.twitter.com/hhmDEwJBjs
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) February 27, 2016
At 50-1, Australia had made a solid start, but with the introduction of Kasperek the momentum would swing dramatically in favour of the home side.
Sophie Devine made the opening breakthrough, bowling Beth Mooney in the 5th over
Bowling to the dangerous duo of Meg Lanning (30) and Ellyse Perry (17), Kasperek sent them both on their way in the space of four balls.
The near replica dismissals saw the pair come down the wicket to the 24-year-old, but neither would connect. Rachel Priest was quick to whip the bails off and the WHITE FERNS had seized the advantage.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Australia was under pressure, although a late cameo from Erin Osborne saw them beyond the 100 mark.
Suzie Bates
It left the WHITE FERNS with a more than achievable target and a match-high knock off 33 from Bates got them well within striking distance.
Sara McGlashan
She and Sara McGlashan (22) blunted the early Australian bowling effort, but would require some help from the middle order to get the job done.
Amy Sattherwaite
Amy Satterthwaite (22) kept the WHITE FERNS in the box seat, but a couple of late wickets gave Australia a sniff.
That was quickly snuffed out, though, Katey Martin (12*) ending proceedings with nine balls in hand.
And there it is: 1-0 up against Australia again. This time we want the Series 👍🏻🏏🇳🇿#WFvAUS pic.twitter.com/fekZXEm8Sq
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) February 28, 2016
It capped a pleasing performance for the hosts, who maintained control of the game from early in the match, although an injury that saw Sophie Devine drop down the order for the chase was an unexpected curve ball which they managed to overcome.
The two sides meet again on Tuesday at the same venue, where the WHITE FERNS will have an opportunity to claim the Series.
