Australia have salvaged a 17-run win in the dead-rubber third and final women's Twenty20 international in New Plymouth thanks to a classy all-round display from Ellyse Perry.
Perry scored a run-a-ball 43 as the tourists reached an impressive 7-145 after being asked to bat at Pukekura Park.
New Zealand were always behind in the run rate and were restricted to 8-128.
White Ferns captain and opener Suzie Bates raced to 54 off 43 balls - her second half-century of the series - but she struggled for support.
The hosts were a chance when Bates and Sara McGlashan (35) put on 62 for the second wicket in the space of nine overs but they lost their way from there.
World-class allrounder Perry was the pick of Australia's bowlers, taking 2-15 off four tight overs while Megan Schutt also claimed two wickets.
The tour-ending match completes two tight series, with Australia having emerged 2-1 winners in the one-day series to retain the Rose Bowl and the Kiwis claiming the T20 series 2-1.
Both teams rested some key players in their final game ahead of the women's Twenty20 World Cup in India.
All players and officials observed a minute's silence before play and wore black armbands in tribute to former New Zealand great Martin Crowe, who died on Thursday.
Share
