New Zealand v Australia 1997-1998

At Auckland, February 14. New Zealand won by 30 runs. Toss: Australia.

Neither side was able to take advantage of a slow pith, but New Zealand, batting as doggedly as they had at Napier, successfully defended a low total to square the series. Their batsmen squandered the start given them by Howell- his 51 came from 54 balls - and had to be rescued by Harris and Nash, who put on 89 for the seventh wicket. Similarly, Australia failed to build on Gilchrist's brisk opening innings and their progress, never comfortable, was hampered by a leg injury to Steve Waugh. He resumed with a runner, but was unable to arrest the Australian decline, caused principally by Doull.

Man of the Match: C. Z. Harris.