A lack of 'mongrel' has seen the White Ferns fall into a 0-2 hole in the five-match series in England after failing to chase a relatively small total in a rain-interrupted encounter in Worcester.
New Zealand bowled out the hosts for 197 and then had a rain-adjusted chase changed to 182 - but couldn't even the series when regular wickets fell after the delay to see them bowled out 13 runs shy of victory.
The White Ferns had England in trouble at 118 for six when opener Lauren Winfield-Hill and Danni Wyatt were involved in a run out mix up that saw Winfield-Hill depart for 39.
Captain Sophie Devine later admitted the side lacked mongrel to finish off the England innings from there and they paid for it.
Wyatt made up for the run out mistake with 63 off 72 balls including a last wicket partnership of 52 with England number 11 Tash Farrant which carried the home side from 146 to 197 before they were bowled out in the 44th over.