The White Ferns have been humiliated by five-time champions Australia in their ICC T20 World Cup opener in South Africa by 97 runs.
Megan Schutt of Australia is congratulated by Alana King of Australia for bowling Suzie Bates of New Zealand during the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand held at Boland Park in Paarl on 11 February 2023 © Shaun Roy/BackpagePix Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
Chasing Australia's formidable score of 173 New Zealand's batters faltered from the outset during their Group 1 match in Paarl.
Senior all-rounder Suzie Bates attempted a premeditated scoop shot in the first ball of their reply to be bowled by Megan Schutt.
Fellow opener and New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine followed her back to the sheds with a first ball duck - as the White Ferns were rolled for 76 in 14 overs.
Australian bowler Ash Gardner bagged five wickets for 12 runs, while Alyssa Healy anchored their batting innings to top score with a half ton.
Earlier New Zealand won the toss as captain Sophie Devine sent the Australians in to bat.
Bowlers Lea Tahuhu and Amelia Kerr took three wickets apiece with Tahuhu striking in the first over.
Australia's tail order fell away as the White Ferns pegged back the defending champions who had been on target for an even bigger score.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine told SkySport they were simply outclassed in the heavy defeat.
"We were really poor today in all facets of the game," Devine said.
"I thought Lea Tahuhu was great with the ball and Amelia Kerr was outstanding.
"You've got to find the positives in the game, so to take wickets was pleasing."
The White Ferns run rate in the standings for Group 1 will take a hit from the significant loss as New Zealand suffered their biggest defeat in all T20 internationals.
New Zealand's next game is against South Africa in two days as the hosts look to recover from their own poor start.
The Proteas were upended by Sri Lanka in a thriller yesterday.
Earlier today the England women launched their campaign in style as they powered to a seven-wicket win against the West Indies.
England captain Heather Knight said they will look to unleash an extremely aggressive approach during the tournament.
