Australia captain Emily Smith scored the equalising goal after Olivia Merry put the Black Sticks ahead.

Both sides came close to winning goals in the second half but Australia settled for the draw which secured top spot after Belgium defeated Japan 6-3 earlier.

We’re really happy. It would’ve been nice to come out with a win but a draw was enough," Jodie Kenny said.

“We were really happy with that effort tonight so well done to our girls.

She added: “We knew it was going to come down to the death tonight. They’re always fiery and it’s always a great competitive match," she said.

It was a bittersweet victory as Kalindi Commerford limped off with an injury early in the match.

Belgium and New Zealand finished second and third respectively, meaning both are headed for the sudden death playoffs on Monday.

The Hockeyroos will play the winner of Argentina-New Zealand’s playoff from 5.15am Thursday live on Fox Sports.