Oz women team loses T20 opener to New Zealand

The Australian Twenty20 women team lost their opening match to New Zealand in the women World T20 tournament by seven runs.

Australia looked to be in the winning position as they allowed New Zealand to score just 128-8, with Sarah Coyte giving figures of 2-8 from three overs, while spinner Jess Jonassen also impressed with her 2-22, including the key wicket of their opponents captain Suzie Bates.

According to News.com.au, despite their chances of winning the match, the defending champions lost it due to a top order collapse, which reduced Australia to 3-14 in the fifth over and they were bowled out for 121 in 19.3 overs.

 

However, Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, who opened the batting and scored 41 off 41 and was well supported by vice captain Alex Blackwell, is hopeful of a short turnaround to work in the team's favour.

Healy reportedly lamented the carelessness of her top order, and pointed to Australia's win-or-go-home predicament, and said that their aim of going into the tournament was to win every game adding that a loss first up is disappointing.

Healy also said that the loss has given them a little bit of a 'kick up the bum', which will force the team to quickly refocus for their upcoming with South Africa on Tuesday, the report added.