Australia's lower order survived a rare test to beat World Cup champion New Zealand by three wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the Rose Bowl women's cricket series at Adelaide Oval.

Chasing 164 in the limited-overs clash, Australia slumped to 4-87 in the 26th over and 7-141 in the 41st.

However, an unbroken stand of 25 between wicketkeeper Julia Price (26) and Julie Hayes (9) steered Australia to victory with 15 balls left.

Earlier, veteran fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick set up Australia's strong position by taking 4-15 off her 10 overs.

Fitzpatrick took the first two wickets as New Zealand crashed from 0-21 to 3-23 and came back later to claim two more victims.

Haidee Tiffen top-scored for New Zealand with 40 and added an innings best partnership of 52 for the fourth wicket with Kathryn Ramel (25).

Celebrated opening pair Belinda Clark (19) and Lisa Keightley (23) got Australia off to a good start with a partnership of 39 in just under 11 overs.

Karen Rolton and Melanie Jones each chipped in with 32, but the dismissal of the latter along with Fitzpatrick on 141 raised New Zealand's hope of victory.

Australia's powerful batting line-up rarely leaves its lower order much to do, but Price and Hayes proved up to the task.

They scored at just under four an over with Hayes clinching the victory with a four over square leg.

Spinners Aimee Mason (3-29 off 10 overs) and Anna Corbin (2-28 off 10) hauled their side back into the game with some economical and penetrative bowling.

Australia won yesterday's opening match of the series by 53 runs.

The series continues in Melbourne on Saturday after which the teams play the three remaining matches in New Zealand.

© 2002 AAP