White Ferns defeated

The White Ferns fell to an 85-run defeat to Australia in Brisbane as the Southern Stars extended their lead in the Rose Bowl series to 4-0.

In-form Leah Poulton made 68 and stand-in captain Lisa Sthalekar made 43 runs as Australia put on 252 for nine from 50 overs.

Maria Fahey posted 56 as part of the New Zealanders’ reply, with captain Haidee Tiffen providing 30 and Aimee Mason supporting with 22.

However, the White Ferns could not close in on total, and with Nicola Browne retiring hurt after slipping when taking a quick single, they were unable to carry on past the 44th over, standing on 167 for nine.

The fifth ODI of the series takes place at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field on Saturday.