New Zealand (252 for 9 in 50 overs; R Rolls 114, E Drumm 60, C Fitzpatrick 4-40) lost to Australia 253 for 4 in 50 overs (B Clark 52, K Rolton 105*, M Jones 47) by 6 wickets Australia's women's team clinched their three-match series in New Zealand with a last-ball victory in the final match at Lincoln, near Christchurch, today. Karen Rolton, who finished with 105 not out, sneaked a single to the wicketkeeper off the final delivery of the 50th over to clinch a six-wicket win.

Rolton, a left-hander, hit 13 fours, and shared an important fourth-wicket stand of 144 with Melanie Jones, who made 47 before she was run out in the final over. Earlier the consistent Belinda Clark (52) and Lisa Sthalekar (33) had put on 84 for Australia's first wicket.

Rolton wasn't fazed by the appearance of a male streaker, clad only in a jock-strap, who zoomed across the field during her innings. But she was dropped, by Nicola Payne at mid-off when she had made 68, and nearly run out off the same delivery as she attempted a second after the catch was spilled. Emily Drumm, New Zealand's captain, admitted afterwards: "If we'd taken that chance we probably would have won the game.

New Zealand's imposing total of 252 for 9 – the second-highest against Australia in any ODI, after England's 279 for 3 in 1973 – owed much to Rebecca Rolls, their wicketkeeper, who cracked 114 from 120 balls, with 14 fours. She put on 170 with Drumm, who compiled a patient 60.

Cathryn Fitzpatrick, returning after calf-muscle trouble kept her out of Australia's side in the second game, cut her run-up to protect her injury and finished with 4 for 40, as five New Zealand wickets went down for 12 in the last four overs.

Australia's series victory was partial revenge for their surprise defeat by New Zealand in the women's World Cup final in December 2000.

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