MELBOURNE, November 17: New Zealand slumped to another tour defeat here today, going down by five wickets to Victoria in a rain-shortened match just three days before the second cricket Test against Australia in Perth.

Victoria beat the Kiwis in the three days of the scheduled four-day match, after the entire opening day was lost due to rain.

Chasing 83 to win in their second innings, Victoria were cruising at 69 for one before left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori claimed four wickets in 23 balls.The victorious got home on the back of an unbeaten 34 from veteran Dean Jones and another 34 from Test opener Matthew Elliott.

Earlier, Victoria bowled New Zealand out for 173 in their second innings, with David Saker finishing with 6-39 and match figures of 10-66.

New Zealand remain win-less on their Australian tour, following on from their 186-run defeat in the first Brisbane Test last week and innings defeats to Queensland and New South Wales.

Brief scores: New Zealand 82 and 173 (B Pocock 44; David Saker 6-39). Victoria 173 and 83-5 (Dean Jones n.o. 34; Daniel Vettori 4-13).y

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.