New Zealand are one win away from reclaiming cricket's Rose Bowl after beating Australia by five wickets in the third women's one-day international at Lincoln yesterday.
The White Ferns take a 2-1 series lead, leaving them on the verge of ending Australia's seven-year reign as trophy holders.
Aftercoming close in a 2-3 series defeat last year, the New Zealanders will be desperate to win one of the two matches remaining at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Christchurch over the weekend.
Yesterday's win was set up by a century partnership between Nicola Browne and Sarah McGlashan as they chased down Australia's 170, reaching 171 for five off 42.1 overs.
The result was in the balance at 36 for three before the experienced pair came together, with McGlashan eventually falling for 41 and Browne remaining unbeaten on 59.
Five run-outs ruined the Australian innings, with sharp New Zealand fielding bringing the tourists to their knees. They were 24 for five before Ellyse Perry and Leonie Coleman revived the innings.
