Australia had one team of ICC World Twenty20 winners at least after the women scrambled a three-run win over New Zealand at Kensington Oval.

Alex Blackwell's team narrowly defended a total of 106 for eight, despite Sophie Devine's unbeaten 38 from 35 balls for the Kiwis.

New Zealand therefore suffered their second consecutive defeat in a Twenty20 world final, having lost to England at Lord's last summer.

Their run chase under lights was soon in trouble at 24 for three in the sixth over, but number four Devine responded in a 41-run sixth-wicket stand with Nicola Browne to take the match right to the wire.

She needed a boundary from the last ball to tie the match and take it to a super over, but a crunching straight drive was intercepted by Ellyse Perry's trailing right leg.

New Zealand had been outstanding in the field, taking early wickets and keeping the pressure on throughout.

Number three Leah Poulton's 20 was the highest score for Australia, but was one of five players in double figures as they eked out a total which proved to be just enough.

Kiwi captain Aimee Watkins had the last word in the Australia innings with a superb one-handed catch in the off-side ring to see off Rene Farrell.

In the end, though, Australia's women ensured a degree of consolation for their country's cricket supporters after Michael Clarke's team had lost their final against England.

Winning captain Blackwell breathed a sigh of relief as she said: "We always believed that total was going to be enough.

"Our bowling attack has a level-headedness and can get through those challenges in front of them and they did that today."