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the international women's cricket series with an 89-run win over New Zealand yesterday.

Clark almost single-handedly destroyed New Zealand with a commanding performance that left the home team's bowling attack in tatters as Australia powered to 247 for five after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

The opening batswoman gave one chance when dropped on 130 on her way to 142 and her second one-day century for Australia in an innings that included 13 fours and a six.

In reply New Zealand was bowled out in 42 overs for a meagre 158.

``That's a nice equaliser,'' Australian coach John Harmer said later.

``It's nice to get a win and it keeps everything alive -- it keeps the spirit alive, it keeps the competitiveness alive and keeps the game open.''

Melanie Jones, the last wicket to fall, was the next-best scorer with 28 in a rollicking late innings, which included three fours and a six.

Clark was eventually run out attempting a cheeky single when New Zealand captain Maia Lewis knocked the stumps with a direct hit from square leg.

``She scored 102 of the (team's) first 130 runs and when it's like that it gets to the point of 'where do you put your players to counter someone like that','' Harmer said.

Rattled, New Zealand showed lapses in its fielding while the bowling was caned with Katrina Withers and Julie Harris going for 54 and 59 runs respectively.

Chasing five runs an over, New Zealand was left reeling at 24 for three after the early dismissals of Shelley Fruin, Emily Drumm, and Karen LeComber in the first 13 overs. A mid-innings collapse, which saw Lewis, Rebecca Rolls, and Trudy Anderson out with the score on 89, signalled the end of any hopes of a New Zealand recovery.

Stoic opener Debbie Hockley carried her bat to be left 78 not out, but the New Zealanders lacked urgency in their running between wickets and failed to put any pressure on the Australian field.

After suffering a leg injury in the field, the talented Drumm was forced to bat with a runner, but never looked comfortable and did not last long.

Lewis (25) and Withers (22) showed some resistance, but the loss of the top order early left New Zealand struggling from the outset.

Australia's attack proved testing with left-arm medium pacer Rolton picking up three wickets for 26 and fellow quick Charmaine Mason three for 28. -- NZPA