Arabic version: سلفر فيرنز تحسم كأس كونستيليشن بفوز 52-49

According to ABC News, New Zealand defeated Australia 52-49 in game three in Sydney to win the Constellation Cup for a fourth time. Australia entered the match trailing 2-0 in the series and fighting to retain the trophy.

The Diamonds led 15-11 at quarter-time after making an early change when Kate Moloney required attention for busted stitches. Sophie Dwyer made an immediate impact after coming on, while the Silver Ferns introduced Te Paea Selby-Rickit at goal attack late in the opening term.

Australia held an edge through much of the first half, but New Zealand levelled the score at 26-all with the final centre pass of the second quarter. The Diamonds moved ahead again in the third term, with Jessie Grenvold producing defensive touches and pickups, and Dwyer converting a long-range shot. Australia led 41-39 at the final break.

New Zealand regained control early in the final quarter, drawing level at 41-all before taking the lead. The match remained tight as Australia tied it at 47-all, but the Silver Ferns finished strongly to secure the 52-49 result. ABC News reported that the victory followed New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games gold medal and could potentially put the team at number one in the world rankings.