Sydney, Oct. 18 -- Veteran Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry's half-century powered Australia to a two-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series at North Sydney on Sunday.

Chasing 163 runs, Australia faced a collapse, losing four of their wickets for 40 runs after a fine start, but an 86-run stand between Beth Mooney and Perry for the second wicket which took place just before this collapse, served as a cushion for the T20 World Champions.

Australia won the toss and elected to field first. Kim Garth (1/34) and Annabel Sutherland (1/28) struck, reducing White Ferns to 35/2.

Half-centuries from Georgia Plimmer (85* in 68 balls, with 10 fours and a six) and Maddy Green (56* in 37 balls, with six fours and a...