New Zealand had the man-of-the-match in century-maker Nathan Astle but the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) World XI put in a genuine team effort to overhaul the home side's 256-9 with more than two overs to spare.

Half-centuries from Australian Matthew Elliott and Sri Lanka's Kumara Sangakkara as well as vital contributions from Australia's Andy Bichel and Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas down the order allowed the World XI to pull ahead when it counted.

Bichel may no longer be required by Ricky Ponting's Australian national side but no one did more to ensure New Zealand's defeat, taking 3-56 with the ball and following up with 37 runs from 38 balls, batting at number eight.

The steel of the visitors was in contrast to the series' first match in Christchurch on Saturday when a lack of team cohesion as well as not enough recent time in the middle from the world stars saw New Zealand race to a nine wicket victory in only 16.1 overs.

As well, there was no repeat of the weekend fireworks when Fleming hit a whirlwind 106 off 57 balls.

Opener Astle's century provided the backbone in New Zealand's innings. He started aggressively before settling into the anchor role and batted through 44.3 overs.

Astle scored his 109 in 113 balls and hit nine fours and one six, finally being caught in the gully off the bowling of Bichel.

Astle and Matthew Sinclair (30) added a valuable 82 runs for the second wicket for New Zealand. Recalled batsman Craig McMillan scored 33, including three sixes before falling to Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya and Daniel Vettori made a quick fire 26 at the tail of the innings.

The World XI tracked New Zealand's progress in their own innings and got off to a confident start with openers Nick Knight and Elliot.

The sides will play the final and deciding match of the series on Wednesday in Hamilton. New Zealand Cricket is aiming to raise one million New Zealand dollars (700,000 US) for victims of the Asian tsunami from the series. A total of 752,000 NZ dollars had been raised after the second game.