At Auckland, February 16. New Zealand won by 7 runs. Toss: England. As in the previous game, England looked sure winners at 170 for three with ten overs to go, needing 30 fewer than the home team scored in the same period when Harris and Smith hit 74 in 55 balls. (The New Zealanders, despite Jones's energy, had taken 30.2 overs to reach 100). This time, however, the match was won by New Zealand rather than lost by England. In the 41st over, Cairns accounted for Lamb with a quick leg-cutter, after which England cracked under pressure. Stewart was well caught above his head by wicket-keeper Smith, mistiming a short-arm pull, and England's Smith lost his off stump as he made room to force Cairns through the covers. When Crowe, backing out of the circle at mid-off, caught Defreitas off Pringle in the 48th over, England's chance was gone. Hindsight pointed to mistakes by Gooch, who was out here and at Wellington to misplayed attacking strokes; and in view of England's diffident batting, his decision to field first was also debatable.

Man of the Match: C. Z. Harris.