Browne double not enough

Nicola Browne’s double was not enough to help the White Ferns overcome a tricky start in the third Rose Bowl ODI against Australia in Darwin.

Browne struck her third ODI century, an unbeaten 50, to help the New Zealanders to 187 for eight at the Gardens Oval, having been precariously placed at 13 for three.

She then took two for 27, but former State Otago Sparks batsman Alex Blackwell responded with 44 not out to guide the home team to a six-wicket win.

Maria Fahey struck 45 and the debutant wicketkeeper Rachel Priest made 42 to ease the tourists to a defendable total.

However, Southern Stars bowler Sarah Andrews was in fine form, taking the wickets of in-form Aimee Mason and Sarah Tsukigawa cheaply.

Shelley Nitschke then closed the innings with three for 34.

Blackwell, with Purves’ top ODI score of 36 not out in assistance, then guided the Australians to victory.

The White Ferns have the chance to level the series in Saturday’s fourth match, also at Darwin.