The White Ferns are eager to build on their recent T20 international win over England with another victory at the Basin Reserve tomorrow which would square the series.
After two comprehensive victories by the tourists in Dunedin and Nelson, the White Ferns won the second at Trafalgar Park by three runs thanks to a brilliant last over by Suzie Bates, who took wickets with her first and sixth balls and conceded only four runs.
It was Bates' only over of the innings, the victory coming with the help of Sophie Devine's 60 off 37 balls as New Zealand hit 155-3 and despite a scintillating 70 in reply from England's Maia Bouchier.
The win over the world's No.2 side has built confidence within the White Ferns according to fast bowler Lea Tahuhu, who will be looking forward to bowling on a green-looking wicket tomorrow.
"It's 2-1 in the series, tomorrow if we can level the series 2-2 and go into the last game with everything on the line — we're obviously looking forward to doing that," Tahuhu said.
"The belief in the group from that game a couple of days ago has built the confidence again.
"We probably haven't had a good win like that for a long time. It's probably the best win in the last couple of years. The girls have trained really well today so we're looking forward to giving it another crack."
New Zealand's batting, particularly their inability to hit boundaries against England's spin, hurt them in their two defeats and Tahuhu said last Sunday's win reinforced the belief that the game plan was the right one.
"The performances weren't what we wanted but we believed in the game plan," she said. "To see that all click into place was really pleasing."
It was appropriate the victory was led by the two veterans Bates, 36, and Devine, 34, Tahuhu said.
"They can cop a little bit of stick at times and I don't think that's always fair. For them to show just how good they still are, I hope they can do that for as long as possible."
Allrounder Jess Kerr added: "The series is well and truly alive. We've definitely got that belief."
The match is scheduled to start at 1pm.
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