New Zealand's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup at home have suffered a massive blow, with a 141-run defeat to tournament favourites Australia at Wellington.
While the outcome may not have been totally unexpected, the margin is likely to damage the White Ferns' chances in a closely fought battle for the top four spots in round-robin play.
While the Aussies retain their unbeaten record with three wins from three outings, their hosts recorded their second loss from four. Tellingly, their run rate fell into the negatives, which will hurt them, if the semi-final struggle comes down to a countback.
New Zealand began promisingly, winning the toss, sending their rivals into bat and capturing three wickets for 56 runs within 16 overs.
"That's why we wanted to bowl first," reflects captain Sophie Devine. "We knew, if we could contain them and get some more wickets, we could put some pressure on them, but that shows the quality of the Australian side.
"Even though we had them three of four down and had the run rate under control, they were able to launch in the last 10 overs in particular and it was too much of a score for us today."
Allrounder Ellyse Perry provided the foundation for Australia's recovery, combining with Meg Lanning for a 57-run fourth-wicket partnership, then 101 runs with Tahlia McGrath, before she fell victim to a spectacular catch by Maddy Green, off Lea Tahuhu's bowling.
With Perry's departure, Ash Gardner swung momentum definitively the Aussies' way, plundering 48 runs off just 18 deliveries, including four sixes, as her team amassed 269/8.
"You can't take away how she stroked the ball today - it was outstanding," says Devine. "She was smart about it, she did it with the wind.
"In Wellington, if you get it into the air, it carries another 20-30 metres further."
Best of the Kiwi bowlers was Tahuhu (3/53), who consolidated her standing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and fastest with ball in hand.
Devine was still happy with the target, but the Ferns chase was never on track, with the skipper first to depart, followed quickly by Amelia Kerr and Suzie Bates.
Amy Satterthwaite patiently toiled for 44 runs, before she was ninth to fall, but only wicket keeper Katey Martin and Tahuhu stuck around long enough to support her.
"Poor" was how Devine summed up the batting effort.
"We saw when Amy Satterthwaite tried to bat through, we knew you could take your time," she says. "The way the Australians set it up, that's the blueprint - you take your time and cash in at the back end.
"We were never able to cash in."
New Zealand next face South Africa, also unbeaten after two outings, and virtually must win to retain any semi-final hopes.
Australia 269/8 (Perry 68, McGrath 57, Gardner 48no, Tahuhu 3/53) NZ 128 (Satterthwaite 44, Tahuhu 23, Martin 19, Brown 3/22)
Australia win by 141 runs
