Australia have cruised to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the opening one-day international in Mount Maunganui, extending their winning streak to 22 and setting a new world record in the process.
New Zealand opener Lauren Down Photo: Photosport
The win means Meg Lanning's team eclipse the mark set by Ricky Ponting's side in 2003, having equalled the long-standing record back in October.
Set a target of 213 to win, the Australians rattled off the required total in just under 39 overs to secure a comfortable victory.
Sent in after Australia won the toss, the White Ferns made a slow start, with Hayley Jensen gone for a golden duck before the home side managed to score any runs.
Lauren Down and stand-in skipper Amy Satterthwaite (32) put on 69 for the second wicket, but the scoring rate was always slow.
Amelia Kerr joined Down at the wicket, and the pair put on 90 for the third wicket. But once Kerr was stumped by Alyssa Healy off Megan Schutt for 33, it was all downhill for the Ferns.
Down's 90 wasn't enough to rescue the innings, as the last eight wickets fell for just 53 runs.
Schutt was the pick of Australia's bowlers as she claimed 4-32 in nine overs while Nicola Carey backed her up, taking 3-34.
In reply, the Australians lost a couple of early wickets, but even at 37-2 continued to look composed.
Opener Healy top scored for Australia with 65 runs from 68 balls before she was caught and bowled by Kerr, while Ellyse Perry also finished unbeaten on 56 runs.
Ashleigh Gardner brought up the winning runs when she smashed a six off Kerr on her way to a personal tally of 53 not out, as her team set the new global benchmark.
- RNZ/Reuters