The Australian women's team squared the three-match one-day series against New Zealand, winning the second match at Lincoln, near Christchurch, by 18 runs. New Zealand, the World Cup holders, won the first match yesterday by 22 runs. After winning the toss, Australia made 218 for 5 in their 50 overs. Karen Rolton top-scored with 90, with 13 fours, while Belinda Clark made 44 and Michelle Goszko 48 off 51 balls.

Haidee Tiffen was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, with 2 for 49, and she carried on that form with the bat, top-scoring with 69. She hit five fours.

But the other batters were disappointing - the next-highest score was Rebecca Rolls's 27 - and in the end New Zealand fell behind the required rate and could muster only 200. Rolton followed up her batting display with 1 for 35 in ten tight overs.

The deciding match will be played at Lincoln on Wednesday, March 6.

Scores
Today: Australia 218 for 5 in 50 overs (Clark 44, Rolton 90, Goszko 48, Tiffen 2-49) beat New Zealand 200 for 8 in 50 overs (Tiffen 69, Hayes 2-33, Smith 2-32) by 18 runs.

Yesterday: New Zealand 196 for 9 in 50 overs (Drumm 88, McGregor 3-44) beat Australia 174 for 9 in 50 overs (Clark 43, Mason 4-33) by 22 runs.

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