The White Ferns have been beaten by four wickets in a thrilling T20 series decider against England in Taunton with the game going down to the penultimate ball.
The White Ferns have lost the T20 series to England 2-1. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The result gives England a 2-1 victory in the three-match series.
Chasing 145 to win Friday morning's third and final T20, England reached their target with one ball to spare.
The White Ferns captain Sophie Devine was confident her side had produced a total they could defend.
"Absolutely. We wanted to have a bowl first as well. But, I was really pleased with the total we put on the board. I said when I was out in the middle that I thought 140 was a par score and a competitive score.
"So, to get that, plus a few extras was something I thought we could certainly defend. As you could tell it went right down to the last over, which, you know a few things here and there and all of a sudden that's our game.
"Disappointing to lose. But, I know this group is going to take a lot out of it."
The homeside was 42 for three at one stage, but 42 from captain Heather Knight helped get them through.
Knight was supported by 35 from Danni Wyatt and 32 from Amy Jones.
Spinner Leigh Kasperek was the best of the White Ferns bowlers, taking three wickets for 25 runs.
Devine was happy with her side's efforts with the ball to keep New Zealand in the game when England looked like they might run away with it.
"We've talked about that a lot, especially leading into the 50 over format as well, we know there are going to be momentum swings within a game
"It's about hanging tough and staying with the game and not letting it go completely away from us. So, really pleased with the way we fought back, our bowlers and in the field was great.
"We'll reflect on this, probably in 24 hours when we've settled down a little bit. But, plenty of really positive signs, the batting at the end there was fantastic and with the ball, seeing Leigh (Kasperek) and Jess Kerr at the top, that's a real threat for us.
"We came over here to win this series, just like we will do with the one-day series as well. We're going to push them hard and we know they are a quality side and we know we have to be at out best. Unfortunately today we were just short."
Put in to bat first, New Zealand made 144 for 4 with Sophie Devine scoring 35, Suzie Bates 34 and Brooke Halliday an unbeaten 25.
The White Ferns scored 50 runs off the last 4 overs.
Four England bowlers took one wicket each.
