A 119-run partnership between Meg Lanning and Rachael Haynes has lead Australia to victory over New Zealand in the T20 series.

More than 3000 people braved a cold Sydney night to watch the pair rescue Australia’s batting innings, reaching their target of 163 with 14 balls to spare.

Haynes was named player of the match after reaching 69 off 40, while Lanning finished with 56.

The White Ferns got off to a strong start, with Katey Martin and Bernadine Bezuidenhout notching up 41 runs from the last three overs heading into the second innings.

But 19 fours and a six from the two Aussies kept their team’s run rate above eight and on track.