Monday 16 February 2015 11:24, UK
England lost to New Zealand by nine wickets in the third ODI with Rachel Priest doing the damage with an unbeaten 96 at Mount Maunganui.
With Priest wielding her blade on her way to a career-best knock, the White Ferns eased to the target of 218 with eight balls remaining to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
After winning the toss, England put themselves in and with Heather Knight in fine form raced to 71 before captain Charlotte Edwards was the first one to go (40).
And despite edging to 131-1, they suffered a collapse as they slumped to 159-6, boosted by Katherine Brunt's 26 from 24 balls as they tip-toed past 200.
Knight's heroics came to an end (79) with her team on 159-6 in the 41st over, but a late surge at the crease meant the tourists reached 217-9 from their 50 overs.
We are still in a good position in the table and everything will be to play for when we take on Australia in the summer
New Zealand were rarely troubled in reply, although the English enjoyed some joy with skipper Suzie Bates (39) caught off Anya Shrubsole after adding 66 with Priest.
There were no further setbacks for the White Ferns as Priest shared an unbroken stand of 153 with Amy Satterthwaite (76).
Off-spinner Knight was the pick of the bowlers with her 10 overs going for only 18 runs, but the rest of England's attack were less lively as they failed to make any mark on the second-wicket pair.
The teams still have two games left in the five-match ODI series, but only the first three count towards the ICC Women's Championship which determines qualification for the 2017 World Cup in England.
England captain Edwards said: "It is disappointing to have only secured two Championship points from this round against New Zealand.
"International cricket is a testing environment and New Zealand have shown that they are a very strong side, and will be tough to beat at home.
"We are, however, still in a good position in the table, and everything will be to play for when we take on Australia as part of the multi-format Women's Ashes this summer."
Whangarei will now host the first of three Twenty20 internationals from Thursday, before the tour wraps up with the last two one-day internationals.
