A Nicola Browne half-century led the White Ferns to a fifth-wicket win over Australia at Lincoln to move into a 2-1 lead in the five-match Rose Bowl Series.
Northern Spirit all-rounder Browne continued her fine batting form in the international season, and threatened her previous ODI best of 61 with a strike of 59 not from 93 balls.
Browne added 100 with Sara McGlashan, who contributed 41 before falling to spinner Shelley Nitschke.
The White Ferns had the Southern Stars on the ropes early with two run outs in the opening over – with three more late in the innings.
Wicketkeeper Rachel Priest accounted for Nietschke and Lisa Sthalekar after fine work in the field from Browne and Haidee Tiffen.
The visitors fell into further strike, falling to 24 for five and 64 for six before a revival of sorts, led by an 80-run stand between Ellysse Perry (51) and Leonie Coleman (41).
Sophie Devine (2/33) ended that partnership by running out Coleman, and after Browne and Tiffen claimed another run out apiece, Devine bowled Perrry to close the innings one ball short of the full 50 overs.
The New Zealanders also lost early wickets, but their fourth-wicket stand brought them to the verge of victory, which was sealed by Browne one ball into the 43 over.
The White Ferns can now reclaim the Rose Bowl with victory in Saturday’s fourth match.
Play commences at 10.30am at Lincoln’s Bert Sutcliffe Oval and entry is free.
