The White Ferns were beaten by 17 runs in the third and final game of their twenty20 series against Australia at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth today, although still finish 2-1 winners in the series.
After Australia reached 145 for seven, New Zealand managed just 128 for eight off their 20 overs, as they struggled to finish their chase in the final four overs.
Suzie Bates and Sara McGlashan put New Zealand into a competitive position, with the score at 72 for two when McGlashan departed for 35 in the 12th over.
While Bates hung around to score 54, before being caught in the second-to-last over, she was unable to find a consistent partner.
No other New Zealander reached double-figures and after being in with a shout at 110 for four in the 17th over, they slumped to 119 for seven thanks to wickets in consecutive balls to Ellyse Perry.
Perry finished with the best return of the Australian bowlers, claiming two for 15 and claiming the key wicket of Bates.
Megan Schutt took two for 19, while Jess Jonassen and Grace Harris grabbed a wicket each.
Earlier Perry played a key role with the bat, scoring a run-a-ball 43 to put Australia in a strong position. She put on 51 with Alex Blackwell, who scored 27, for the third wicket and carried on to help Australia reach 106 for four when she was out in the 16th over.
Thamsyn Newton took two for 16 off two overs for New Zealand, which included the scalp of Perry. Erin Bermingham, Amy Satterthwaite and Suzie Bates all claimed one wicket.
