Australian captain and star shooter Caitlin Basset has responded to a challenge to help the Diamonds take a firm grip on the Constellation Cup and spoil a landmark night for opposing skipper Laura Langman.
A 56-47 win on Wednesday over New Zealand, in front of a capacity crowd of 4.370 for the first netball Test played in Townsville, gave the Diamonds a 2-0 lead in the four-match series.
It was Australia's ninth straight win over New Zealand on a night when their midcourt ace Langman made a record 146th appearance for the Silver Ferns.
She eclipsed the record previously held by legendary shooter Irene van Dyke.
It was Australian leader Bassett who had the happier night, nailing 33 straight goals and finishing with 37 from 38 attempts.
Feasting on consistently good feeds from wing attack and player of the match Kelsey Browne and centre Liz Watson, Bassett got the better of determined opponent Jane Watson.
"She (Bassett) was enormous tonight. We put the challenge out to her to be stronger out there and she certainly did that very well,'" Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander told AAP.
Australia never trailed during the game after scoring the first six goals.
But they needed a burst of eight straight goals in the final quarter to defeat a plucky Silver Ferns side who got within one in that period.
The Diamonds made surges throughout the game, but New Zealand invariably responded in kind until Australia's final decisive push.
"From our point of view the Silver Ferns certainly put their best performance that I've seen from them in the year so far," Alexander said.
"So to come away with a nine-goal win in the end, I'm quite pleased with that."
At halftime Alexander brought Gabi Simpson on at wing defence for April Brandley and shooter Gretel Tippett came on for Stephanie Wood while Ferns' coach Noeline Taurua maintained the same side throughout.
Tippett made all 14 of her shots and hasn't missed any of her 26 attempts across the first two Tests.
New Zealand couldn't match Australia's accuracy with Folau, who was watched at the venue by her husband and Wallabies star Israel Folau, shooting 32 from 38.
The series moves to New Zealand with the teams playing in Hamilton next Sunday and Wellington the following Thursday.
