Cricket: White Ferns fall in opener

Katie Perkins of New Zealand bats during the women's International Twenty20. Photo / Getty Images

The White Ferns fell to a four-wicket loss against Australia in their opening Twenty20 match at the North Sydney Oval today.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, New Zealand made a competitive 145-7 from 20 overs as Frances Mackay and debutante Katie Perkins each made 31, while captain Suzie Bates top-scored with 33.

Aucklander Perkins, 23, struck her runs from only 23 balls and her knock included four boundaries, which proved valuable at the end of the innings.

Australia began their pursuit of New Zealand's total in slow fashion as opening bowlers Sian Ruck and Morna Nielsen produced economical spells.

Ruck was particularly impressive as she finished with 2-19 from four overs, including the only maiden over of the match.

But, the home side found their stride when Jess Cameron (59) and Alex Blackwell (35) put on 77 for the fourth wicket during the middle of their innings.

The White Ferns claimed three wickets in five balls across the 16th and 17th overs to swing the momentum back in their direction, but Sarah Coyte (17 not out) and debutante Jess Jonassen (8 not out) saw Australia home with one ball to spare.

Both sides meet again tomorrowand on Sunday at the same venue for two more Twenty20 encounters before they turn their attention to the Rose Bowl series that will encompass three 50-over fixtures, before two final 20-over games will complete the tour.