Australia’s bowlers produced their best performance of the four-game Rose Bowl women’s ODI series against New Zealand, to move the Southern Stars within touching distance of retaining the trophy.

Spearheaded by a career-best equalling bowling performance from spinner Erin Osborne (3-32 off 10 overs), Australia dismissed New Zealand for 177 in the 46th over at North Sydney Oval.

As holders of the Rose Bowl, Australia only need to draw the four-match series and a win on Monday will give them a 2-1 lead with just Wednesday’s final game at North Sydney left.

Sent in to bat in overcast conditions on a traditionally high-scoring ground, NZ were able to get off to a flyer.

Openers Suzie Bates (39 off 33) and Frances Mackay (12 off 29), put on 55, at almost a run a ball, but their dismissals triggered a collapse.

Captain Bates, who scored 122 not out and 59 in the first two games, was bowled by Osborne with the final ball of her first over.

Mackay was then trapped lbw by the first ball of the following over from pace bowler Ellyse Perry (1-42 off 10).

Amy Satterthwaite – who scored 98 and 109 in her first two hits of the series – was run out for nine, one of three batters to be dismissed in that fashion.

Only Nicole Browne (42 off 62) and Erin Bermingham (25 off 33) provided any substance to the middle order.

New Zealand, who scored 2-252 and 6-288 in the two previous games, didn’t manage another 50 partnership in their innings after the opening stand.

Australia made three changes to the side that won game two, bringing in Leah Poulton, Alex Blackwell and Megan Schutt, with Rachael Haynes, Jess Cameron and Sharon Millanta dropping out.

New Zealand replaced wicketkeeper Rachel Priest with Katey Martin.