Australia Women will chase a 3-0 series whitewash when they meet New Zealand Women in the third and final T20I at North Sydney Oval in Sydney on Thursday. The world champions have already sealed the series with back-to-back victories, but the White Ferns — genuinely competitive in the opener before being outplayed in the second game — will be desperate to finish the tour with a consolation win and some momentum to take home.
Match Overview
It has been a tale of two very different games so far. In the first T20I on October 18, New Zealand posted 162 for 2 — built on Georgia Plimmer’s unbeaten 85 and Maddy Green’s 56 not out — and pushed Australia all the way before Ellyse Perry’s 52 guided the hosts to a tense two-wicket win. The second T20I on October 20 was far more one-sided: Ashleigh Gardner’s superb 84 powered Australia to 167 for 7, and New Zealand crumbled to 127 for 8 in reply, losing by 40 runs. With the series decided, Thursday is about pride for New Zealand and perfection for Australia.
Date, Time and Venue
| Detail | Information |
| Match | Australia Women vs New Zealand Women, 3rd T20I |
| Series | New Zealand Women tour of Australia, 3 T20I Series 2026 |
| Date | Thursday, 22 October 2026 |
| Start time | 1:45 PM IST / 7:15 PM local (AEDT) |
| Venue | North Sydney Oval, Sydney |
| Australia captain | Sophie Molineux |
| New Zealand captain | Melie Kerr |
Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Australia Women squad: Beth Mooney (wicketkeeper), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux (captain), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath and Megan Schutt.
New Zealand Women squad: Georgia Plimmer, Flora Devonshire, Melie Kerr (captain), Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Polly Inglis (wicketkeeper), Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Bree Illing, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson, Bella James and Hannah Rowe.
Probable Australia XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux (c), Georgia Wareham, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt or Alana King.
Probable New Zealand XI: Georgia Plimmer, Flora Devonshire, Melie Kerr (c), Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel or Bree Illing, Eden Carson.
Head-to-Head Record
Australia have historically dominated this rivalry in the shortest format. Across 57 women’s T20 internationals, Australia Women have won 35, New Zealand Women have won 21, with one tie or no-result — and Australia have taken both games of this series to underline that superiority.
Pitch and Weather Report
North Sydney Oval is typically a good batting surface with short boundaries that aid stroke-play. The pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest — batters can play their shots while seamers may find some lateral movement — though spinners have historically received less assistance here. The average score is around 165. The weather looks ideal for an evening game: around 19.7°C with only a 17% chance of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is expected.
Where to Watch — Live Streaming and TV
In India, the match will be streamed live on FanCode (app and website). Ball-by-ball scores will be available on all major cricket score platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Australia Women vs New Zealand Women 3rd T20I?
Thursday, 22 October 2026, at North Sydney Oval in Sydney, Australia.
What time does AUS-W vs NZ-W 3rd T20I start in India?
1:45 PM IST (7:15 PM local time in Sydney).
Who won the first two T20Is of the series?
Australia Women won both — by two wickets in the first T20I and by 40 runs in the second — to seal the series 2-0.
Where can I watch AUS-W vs NZ-W 3rd T20I live in India?
Live streaming on FanCode (app and website).
Who are the captains?
Sophie Molineux captains Australia Women and Melie Kerr captains New Zealand Women.
Conclusion
The series may be decided, but dead rubbers between these trans-Tasman rivals are rarely dull. Australia will want the clean sweep to underline their status as the world’s best T20I side, while New Zealand — who showed in the first game they can push the champions — will be playing for pride and a winning end to the tour. Expect Australia’s depth to prove decisive again, but do not rule out a White Ferns fightback under the North Sydney lights.
Follow the game ball-by-ball here.
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
