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Diamonds Reclaim Constellation Cup With Late Extra‑Time Winner in Christchurch

The first use of 'Series Decider Time' prompted Australia's coach to float a fifth-game decider for future ties.

Overview

  • New Zealand leveled the series by winning the 60‑minute match 62-57, triggering a first‑ever mini‑match of two seven‑minute halves to decide the Cup.
  • Australia managed the closing minute of extra time before Sophie Garbin scored with four seconds left to secure a 12-11 result.
  • Defender Sunday Aryang suffered a heavy fall near the finish with a suspected knee injury, with team officials saying she is being assessed.
  • Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke delivered 56 goals from 59 attempts in regulation in a standout performance.
  • The win ended the Diamonds’ drought in New Zealand dating to 2021 as Stacey Marinkovich questioned whether a fifth match would better resolve tied series.