The Origin Australian Diamonds will have to win game four of the Constellation Cup Series by three-goals or more, after the New Zealand Silver Ferns took game three 49 goals to 55.
The Silver Ferns, who trailed at every break, were able to overcome a five goal halftime defecit to pull-off the win.
The result means the Diamonds must win the fourth and final match tomorrow by three goals or more if to retain the Constellation Cup Trophy.
Australia will rue missed chances, taking more shots overall and leading by five late in the third term before letting it slip.
All three shooters, including stalwart Caitlin Bassett who played only the final eight minutes, shot under 90 per cent.
In contrast, goal shooter Maia Wilson dominated under the ring, shooting 41 of 43 to take the pressure off returning skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio.
Australian captain Liz Watson was clear on what cost her side: "our attacking game".
"They did their homework on us," she said.
"We got up by five goals and we let them back in and went down by six.
"New Zealand did a great job. They put us under pressure and they knew that we didn't like to play against that fast movement and they slowed us down."
The contest was hyper-competitive from the get-go, with both teams called for first-term offensive penalties which sent players to the floor. Referees also had to stop the match to caution Sarah Klau and Wilson for scrapping after a third quater goal.
"I'm still catching my breath. It was definitely very physical. A typical Australian match-up," Ekenasio said.
"It was a real tough battle out there. We knew we had to stay with them and we would get it."
Goal attack Kiera Austin shot 18 of 27 - just 67 per cent - and Cara Koenen made 25 of 29 before making way for Bassett in the final term.
The fourth and final game of the series will be played at Christchurch Arena at 1PM AEDT and will be broadcast live on Channel 9 and streamed via the Netball Live App.
