New Zealand have taken a 3-0 lead in the women's international cricket series after beating England at Eden Park yesterday by four wickets.
But despite having won the series with two games remaining, New Zealand coach Mike Shrimpton believes there are still problems that need urgent attention before the women's World Cup in New Zealand next November/December.
Shrimpton said that after New Zealand was comprehensively outplayed in the recent Rosebowl series in Australia it was clear his side needed a fifth bowler and a more consistent batting effort by the top order.
"The Aussies are five overs better than us right now," he said "and we are about the same over England.
"We have to look for another top allrounder who can supply the fifth bowling option and we have to approach the World Cup as clinically as the Aussies who analyse everything their opposition does."
England started the match well after winning the toss. But after their opening pair, Claire Taylor and Clare Connor, went at 41 and 52 they suffered a collapse when the next three wickets added only 16.
New Zealand's opening attack lacked penetration, but once off-spinner Catherine Campbell homed in and Rachel Pullar's accuracy improved England were on the ropes.
Only a late flurry by the lower order saved face, with the innings ending at 146-8.
Sixteen-year-old medium pacer, Munokoa Tunupopo became the youngest player ever for New Zealand when she was named in the starting XI.
New Zealand started badly when the fourth wicket fell at 34 before Emily Drumm and Debbie Hockley, for the umpteenth time, steadied the chase, Drumm scoring 59.
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