Georgia Plimmer, left, celebrates a half-century for the White Ferns against Australia. Photo: Photosport
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine can see the green shoots of progress despite the disappointment of a 3-0 Twenty20 series loss to Australia.
New Zealand were competitive for a third straight game but couldn't get past the defending world champions, who achieved their five-wicket win in Brisbane on the first ball of the final over.
It was the White Ferns' 10th successive defeat in the T20 format, a record they'll mull over as they travel to Dubai for the World Cup in the UAE starting in just over a week.
Georgia Plimmer scored 53 off 48 balls - her maiden international half-century - as New Zealand posted 146 for six before Australia responded with 148 for five, with offspinner Eden Carson taking 2-29.
Devine wasn't downbeat following a third match in which they'd pushed the hosts hard in their home conditions.
"We knew the challenge we were up against, playing Australia, they're the world's best team for a really good reason," Devine said.
"So plenty of positives for us to take out of this series. It would have been nice to get a win but I think we're really trending in the right direction.
"We'll reflect and review quickly - it's about taking away the positives and moving forward."
Devine was hopeful Plimmer had produced an innings that might propel her career forward.
Always regarded as a talented batter, the 20-year-old opener has taken 38 innings in white ball internationals to reach 50.
Devine compared her progress to young wicketkeeper/batter Izzy Gaze, whose maiden half-century also came this year, against England in March.
"It was huge (for Plimmer) and we saw it with Izzy earlier this year when she scored that 50 - it's almost like the floodgates opened and she's got that belief," Devine said.
"We've seen the potential in the nets, we've seen the hard work that she's put in behind the closed doors.
"For her to get a reward against a top quality Australian side, hopefully that sets her on her way."
Plimmer put on 45 for the opening stand with Suzie Bates (19) before a second-wicket partnership of 73 with Amelia Kerr (40)
New Zealand will play World Cup warmup matches in Dubai next week against South Africa and England before their opening pool game against India, on 5 October.