It was Whanganui allrounder Jessica Watkin's big chance under the prime time lights at the North Sydney Oval on Saturday evening, but she and her White Ferns team could not hold back Australia's successful run chase in the first Twenty20 international.
Coming in at 10-1, Watkin joined Sophie Devine in a 48 run partnership, scoring 18 from 15 balls.
She had just hit debuting spinner Georgia Wareham down the ground for six when Watkin was stumped off the next delivery, which had been ruled a wide.
Bates was also dismissed in contentious circumstances after the catch by fielder Beth Mooney was referred to the third umpire.
New Zealand made 162-5 and although they had Australia worried at 45-4, Meg Lanning (56no) and Rachael Haynes (69no) pulled off an unbeaten 119 run partnership to get the winning runs in the 18th over.
