At Auckland, March 28. Australia won by three runs. Toss: New Zealand.

Fittingly, the series remained live until the final ball, when Pringle needed a six to give New Zealand the trophy. Hughes, who had retained his sense of humour despite being pelted with fruit at fine leg, first pretended to repeat the infamous underarm of 1980–81. In the end, Pringle hit a more conventional ball for only two. Larsen and Pringle shared a ninth-wicket stand of 54, in under seven overs. Greatbatch hit May on to the roof of the northern stand, but the middle order was undermined by underarm throws to run out Rutherford and Blain. Mark Waugh continued his excellent form with 83 at a run a ball, although another mix-up with Jones ended their promising partnership. Latham's career-best figures of five for 32 included a double-wicket maiden.

Man of the Match: M. E. Waugh.

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