White Ferns beat Australia in women's T20

The White Ferns, with off-spinner Leigh Kasperek grabbing four cheap scalps, have beaten Australia by four wickets in Wellington in the opening encounter of a three-match women's Twenty20 series.

Kasperek claimed career-best international T20 figures of 4-7 on Sunday as the Southern Stars managed a modest 7-113 after being sent in to bat at the Basin Reserve.

Australian skipper Meg Lanning, who hit two centuries as she guided the tourists to a come-from-behind 2-1 win in the Rose Bowl one-day series last week, top-scored with 30 from 28 balls.

After she departed, stumped off Kasperek's bowling, Australia weren't able to build momentum, at one stage losing 3-5.

New Zealand's chase was led by skipper Suzie Bates at the top of the order with 33 from 32 balls before she was caught top-edging a sweep shot.

Sara McGlashan and Amy Satterthwaite, both with 22, also contributed as the White Ferns reached their target with nine balls to spare.

McGlashan fell after directing a lofted pull shot straight to a fielder, while Satterthwaite was caught behind while driving.

Seamer Megan Schutt claimed both wickets to finish as the best of the Australian bowlers with 2-11.

The series is part of the two sides' build-up for the Women's World T20 tournament in India and game two will be at the same venue on Tuesday.