The Black Sticks women have been 2-1 by Australia in the second match of their four test series in Auckland.
Brooke Peris, captaining Australia in her 184th international, scored in the first and last quarters for the visitors, while Olivia Shannon scored for New Zealand in the third.
After coming back from two goals down in the first game, the Australians started well and dominated the first half until star player Rosie Malone was struck on the wrist and forced from the field.
The Black Sticks then had a period on top with Shannon showing a piece of individual brilliance inside the attacking circle to score in the 39th minute.
While the Kiwis had plenty of momentum going forward they were unable to make the Australians pay in the circle.
With only three minutes remaining in the match the visitors took possession of the ball deep in their own half to start a counter-attack which ended up with Peris thumping in her second of the match for the late lead.
Game three is on Saturday afternoon.
