Australia Women can seal the T20I series with a game to spare when they face New Zealand Women in the second T20I at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday evening. The hosts chased down 163 in the series opener on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead, and with all three matches of the series being played at the same venue, they know exactly what to expect.
New Zealand, though, showed real fight in that first game — posting 162/2 against one of the best attacks in world cricket — and captain Amelia Kerr will believe her young side can square the series if they finish the job this time.
Match Details: Date, Time and Venue
- Match: Australia Women vs New Zealand Women, 2nd T20I — New Zealand Women tour of Australia 2026
- Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Time: 7:15 PM AEDT local — 1:45 PM IST / 8:15 AM GMT; toss 30 minutes earlier
- Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
- Series status: Australia lead the 3-match series 1-0; the 3rd T20I is on October 22, also at North Sydney Oval
Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Australia Women squad: Sophie Molineux (c), Ashleigh Gardner (vc), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
New Zealand Women squad: Melie Kerr (c), Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Bella James, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp.
Australia Women probable XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux (c), Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.
New Zealand Women probable XI: Georgia Plimmer, Bella James, Melie Kerr (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Bree Illing.
Australia’s depth is their greatest weapon: Mooney and Perry provide stability at the top, Gardner and McGrath bring power through the middle, and the bowling — led by Schutt’s new-ball skill and Molineux’s left-arm spin — covers every phase of the innings. New Zealand’s hopes rest heavily on captain Kerr’s all-round brilliance, with Izzy Sharp’s clean hitting and the experience of Maddy Green and Rosemary Mair the other keys to an upset.
Head-to-Head Record
Australia have dominated this trans-Tasman rivalry for years, winning the large majority of their T20I meetings. New Zealand arrive with a new-look squad and coaching setup, and while the 1st T20I showed they can compete — 162/2 was a competitive total — turning competitiveness into victories against this Australian side remains the White Ferns’ biggest challenge.
Pitch and Weather Report
North Sydney Oval has short boundaries and a quick outfield, and the opener was a run-fest: New Zealand’s 162/2 was chased down with Australia finishing 165/8. A total in the region of 160 looks competitive again, though the team batting first may need more to feel safe. The forecast is pleasant — around 22°C, a few clouds, moderate humidity near 56% and a steady breeze — with no real threat of weather disruption.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and TV
- Australia: Channel 7 and Fox Cricket (TV); 7plus and Kayo Sports (streaming)
- India: FanCode (live streaming; no TV telecast)
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
- Viewers elsewhere should check local listings.
FAQs
When is the Australia Women vs New Zealand Women 2nd T20I?
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7:15 PM AEDT (1:45 PM IST / 8:15 AM GMT) at North Sydney Oval, Sydney. The toss is 30 minutes before the start.
What is the series score?
Australia lead the 3-match T20I series 1-0 after winning the opener on October 18. The third and final T20I is on October 22.
What happened in the 1st T20I?
New Zealand posted 162/2, but Australia chased the target down, finishing on 165/8 to win the series opener.
Who are the captains?
Sophie Molineux captains Australia; Melie Kerr leads New Zealand.
Where can I watch Australia Women vs New Zealand Women live?
In Australia on Channel 7/Fox Cricket and 7plus/Kayo; in India on FanCode; in New Zealand on Sky Sport NZ.
Conclusion
Australia start as clear favourites — their batting depth and all-round balance make them the team to beat in this format. But New Zealand’s 162/2 in the opener was no accident, and if Kerr’s side can hold their nerve in the closing overs, this series is far from over. Expect another high-scoring evening at North Sydney Oval.
Full squads and match centre: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-match-squads/151262/ausw-vs-nzw-2nd-t20i-new-zealand-women-tour-of-australia-2026-27
Green Benn is a dedicated sports writer specializing in cricket, including IPL and international formats. Known for clear, engaging, and informative content, Green simplifies complex match analysis and player statistics for all readers. Passionate about sports storytelling, Green delivers reliable, SEO-friendly articles that keep fans updated and informed
