The White Ferns have opened their one-day international quadrangular series campaign with a 29-run loss to Australia at Queens Park, Chesterfield this morning.
Jess Cameron's 79 spearheaded Australia's effort of 261 for nine after they won the toss and elected to bat.
The White Ferns were bowled out for 232 in the 48th over in reply.
Seamer Nicola Browne got New Zealand off to the ideal start with two early wickets to go with a run-out as Australia slumped to 31 for three.
Cameron then combined with Alex Blackwell, 41, to put on 128 for the fourth wicket.
Some late hitting from Jodie Fields (28 off 26) helped pad the total out.
Browne finished with excellent figures of two for 19 off her 10 overs.
The White Ferns' run chase was competitive for the majority of the inning and at 120 for two looked to be in control but fell away in the latter stages.
Lucy Doolan got the team of to a flyer with 42 off 41 at the top of the order while Sara McGlashan anchored with 65 off 84.
Sarah Coyte and Shelley Nitschke led the Australian attack with three for 48 and three for 35 respectively.
The White Ferns' next match is against hosts England at Derby on 2 July.
