The Black Sox have relinquished their world softball crown after blowing a five-run lead against Canada in the final at Saskatoon.
They appeared well on track to claim a seventh title at the top of the third, before Canada mounted a brilliant comeback in the bottom of the innings with home runs to Brad Ezekiel and Steve Mullaley, cutting the lead to 5 - 4.
Canada took control from there, winning 10 - 5.
New Zealand had started superbly led by the bats of brothers Tom and Ben Enoka but collapsed with veteran pitcher Heinie Shannon giving up 11 hits and seven earned runs, and brief reliever Nik Hayes also struggling. New Zealand were retired in the seventh, with Thomas Enoka and Nathan Nukunuku stranded on base.
New Zealand won the title at North harbour in 2013, before the world tournament was changed to a two year cycle.
