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Australia's women fared little better than their male counterparts in their Women's World Twenty20 Pool A opener, slumping to a nine-wicket defeat to rivals New Zealand at Taunton.

Karen Rolton won the toss and elected to bat first but was soon left ruing that decision as the Black Caps blew away the Australian top order to leave them on 25 for four.

Lisa Sthalekar restored some semblance of pride, hitting 46 in 38 balls at number six but Sian Ruck (three for 12) turned in a devastating four-over spell to keep the batting side to 123 for eight.

Lucy Doolan was run out for three early in the reply but Suzie Bates (41no) and Aimee Watkins (73no) ensured New Zealand coasted home with 3.4 overs remaining.

In Pool B, Eshani Kaushalya starred with bat and ball to see Sri Lanka to a four-wicket defeat of Pakistan.

Opener Bismah Maroof clubbed 50 as Pakistan batted first but nobody else came to terms with the conditions as Kaushalya (three for 16) ran riot in a disappointing total of 104 for seven.

Kaushalya then hit a quickfire 23 from 21 balls, including one four and a six, while Inoka Galadegara top-scored with 37 as Sri Lanka crossed the line for the loss of six wickets.

PA Sport