New Zealand salvage pride against arch-rivals

Wellington : With the one-day series already lost, New Zealand managed to redeem some pride when they beat Australia in the fifth match by 51 runs yesterday and to the series at a respectable scoreline of 3-2.

Ricky Ponting didn't lose a toss for the whole series and again made New Zealand set a target, but this time on a two-paced pitch their 241 for nine appeared competitive. A double-strike by Bond early on put Australia on the backfoot before Tim Southee ran through the middle-order with four for 36 to confirm the win as Australia were dismissed for 190 with 3.5 overs to spare.

Despite the success of the fast men, it was offspinner Nathan McCullum who picked up the most important wicket. Shane Watson was doing his best to guide Australia's chase despite watching wickets fall around him, and he had worked his way to 53 when he chipped McCullum to midwicket, to leave Australia vulnerable at 96 for 5.

A resistant 46 from Michael Hussey kept Australia in the contest before Southee delivered a perfect straight yorker that cannoned into the stumps when Hussey tried to lap sweep and take advantage of the batting Powerplay. James Hopes made 40 in vain, before Bond returned to grab the final two wickets to finish with 4 for 26.

The visitors were under pressure from the moment Bond grabbed two in two balls during the seventh over. Brad Haddin was on 17 when he pulled, was surprised by the pace and bounce, and top edged a catch to square leg. The next delivery was a superb bouncer and glanced off Ponting's helmet and through to the wicketkeeper. Ponting had dropped his hands and the ball was nowhere near his gloves, he was incredulous with Gary Baxter's verdict of out.

Scores

New Zealand 241/9 (S.Styris 55) vs Australia 190 (S. Watson 53, S. Bond 4-26, T. Southee 4-36). New Zealand won by 51 runs.