Georgia Plimmer scores career-best 85 as New Zealand lose to Australia

Georgia Plimmer made an unbeaten 85 from 68 balls as New Zealand fell to Australia by two wickets at North Sydney Oval. It was her fourth T20 half-century, and it came after the retirements of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu.

Plimmer and Maddy Green added an unbroken 127 for the second wicket. Before this match, Plimmer averaged 16.16 with a strike rate of 105. She said the side had talked about how to fill the gap left by the three retirements.

New Zealand have now lost six of their last nine T20Is. Australia lead the series 1-0, with the next two matches at the same ground on Tuesday and Thursday.