All-round Kerr denies Australia a clean sweep

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The last time Australia posted a total less than 120 in T20Is was in March 2016, against the same opposition. Back then they scored 103/8, losing the game by six wickets. With 123/7 on the board today, New Zealand had the opportunity to break Australia's seven-match winning streak in T20Is. It was not an easy task as the visitors had to overcome several early as well as last-minute hiccups, but Amelia Kerr's back-to-back fours off Megan Schutt in the final over carried them to a five-wicket win.

The White Ferns began their chase cautiously, but lost opener Maddy Green for just 10 at the end of the fifth over. Georgia Wareham's first over yielded two more wickets. While Sophie Devine's (25) productive stay was cut short by a quick stumping by Alyssa Healy, Suzie Bates (3) was undone by a terrific direct hit from Rachael Haynes at cover.

Former New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite took on the responsibility to stabilise the visitors' innings and along with Katey Martin negotiated the middle overs with some intelligent batting. The duo brought up the fifty partnership in the 15th over with New Zealand requiring 30 off the last five.

But it was Wareham once again, who provided the hosts with a much-needed breakthrough, knocking off Martin's off-stump. Jess Jonassen dismissed Satterthwaite in the next over to leave New Zealand stuttering on 98/5. With 26 needed in 22, the match was in the balance.

However, Kerr, who had starred with the ball earlier, maintained her composure to hand New Zealand a hard-fought victory.

Earlier, New Zealand justified their decision to field first with an inspired bowling performance. Australia openers Beth Mooney and Healy got off to a slow start as Jess Kerr kick-started the proceedings with a fine maiden. Just when it looked like the two were starting to accelerate, Devine got the breakthrough: Mooney nicked one behind for 11.

Healy, who made a quick 17-ball 33 in the last game, departed for just 8 in the seventh over. Australia lost two more wickets by the 10th, with Kerr dismissing Haynes (3) and Meg Lanning (21) in successive overs.

Ashleigh Gardner briefly resurrected the batting with some excellent shots but was stumped off Hayley Jensen in the 14th over for a 21-ball 29. None of the remaining batters were able to convert their starts.

Kerr was awarded Player of the Match for her 2/18 and 18*. With victories in the first two matches, Australia took the series 2-1. The teams play three ODIs next.