At Wellington, March 26. Australia won by three wickets with three balls to spare. An exhilarating partnership of 86 by Phillips and Waugh for the sixth wicket carried them there, although the run of play had suggested another Australian defeat. When Rutherford and Martin Crowe put on 50 in 29 minutes a big score was in prospect, but thereafter New Zealand's tempo dropped abruptly. When Australia batted, Marsh went 29 balls without scoring, and at 142 for five after 39 overs their cause looked hopeless. However, Phillips repeatedly cleared the covers and a requirement of 88 off eleven overs was reduced by 80 in 62 deliveries. Hadlee began the last over with Australia 1 run in arrears. Phillips went first ball, Waugh to the second, but McDermott played the third to the point boundary to give Australia a dramatic win.

Man of the Match: W. B. Phillips and S. R. Waugh (shared). Attendance: 14,500.