The White Ferns took Australia to the final over once again but the world champion claimed a one-wicket victory in the second Rose Bowl ODI at Brisbane. 
After a bowl-off Twenty20 defeat and one-run loss to the Southern Stars, the home team claimed a one-wicket victory off the penultimate ball at Allan Border Field.
Kiwi captain Haidee Tiffen won the toss and batted first, with opener Rebecca Rolls and Maria Fahey producing once again.
The top two compiled 78 for the first wicket, Fahey falling first for 29 and Rolls going on to make 66.
Julie Hayes took three for 37 as the White Ferns were removed for 175 in the 47th over.
The White Ferns did not let Australia have the start they made, restricting them to 43 for two - Sophie Devine and Nicola Browne taking the openers.
But a second half-century of the series for Lisa Sthalekar (53) put her side back on an even keel.
Shelley Nitschke added 31 and Clea Smith scored the winning runs to give the home team a 2-0 series lead.
However, there was some bad news for Australia as the experienced Karen Rolton twisted her knee in the field and will undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.
