The White Ferns have fallen to a weak 141-run defeat to their favoured trans-Tasman rivals in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in Wellington.
Suzie Bates heads back to the dressing room. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Australia dominated the White Ferns in all facets of the game at the Basin Reserve to remain unbeaten after three games in the tournament.
New Zealand had the visitors on the ropes with three early wickets in the first 25 overs after putting the experienced Australians in to bat.
But the unwavering Australians lauched a batting comeback to blast 100 runs off the last 10 overs on their way to 269-8.
For Australia, Elyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath scored half centuries to guide the visitors to the imposing total and launch their comeback from an uncertain position of 113-4.
Lea Tahuhu was the best of the New Zealand bowlers taking three wickets.
New Zealand's run chase was off to an extremely poor start with Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr unable to find the scintillating form they displayed in their warm-up win against their trans-Tasman rivals. At 35-5 New Zealand were in dire trouble as their run chase was stuttering to a close.
Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy takes a catch to dismiss Katey Martin. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine said Australia's ability to come back with the bat set them in another class.
"I guess that shows the quality of that Australian side," Devine said.
"Even though we had them three or four down and had the run rate under control, I guess the way they were able to launch in the last 10 overs obviously was too much of a score for us today."
New Zealand were all out for 128, with Amy Satterthwaite the only batter to show resistence.
New Zealand's next game is against South Africa on Thursday at the Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui. Australia have a quick turnaround, facing the West Indies in Wellington on Tuesday.