The White Ferns were outclassed by Australia's middle order in the first game of five-match Twenty20 series last night.
New Zealand lost by six wickets at the North Sydney Oval, with the hosts chasing down the 163 run target with 14 balls to spare.
Aussie skipper Meg Lanning (56 from 44) and Rachael Haynes (69 from 40) shared an unbeaten 119 fifth-wicket stand to anchor the chase after Australia slipped to 45-4.
Wicketkeeper Katey Martin top-scored for the White Ferns with 56 from 38 including eight boundaries and two sixes. Sophie Devine provided some runs at the top of the order with 43 from 33 balls before being dismissed by a contentious catch that went to the third umpire for clarification.
After the match, White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen said she was disappointed with the decision and will be seeking some clarification from the match referee over why the change from not out to out was made.
