Aussies retain series, defeating Kiwis in 4th ODI

Updated at: 2111 PST, Thursday, March 11, 2010
AUCKLAND: Australia deservedly retained the Chappell Hadlee Trophy with a six-wicket win in the fourth One-day International here at Eden Park last night.

Chasing the hosts' inadequate 238, Australia got home with 17 balls to spare to take a 3-1 lead in the five-game series, which ends in Wellington tomorrow.

Misty drizzle between innings meant two recalculations under the Duckworth Lewis rain rules. Eventually Australia needed 200 off 34 overs, which sounded rather generous to New Zealand after their ordinary batting effort.

Australia lost 16 overs and had their target reduced by only 39. It still meant New Zealand needed everything to go their way in the field.

A fired-up Shane Bond removed in-form Brad Haddin in his first over. However New Zealand certainly didn't need to see master batsman Ricky Ponting given a life by umpire Asad Rauf on 19 when Daryl Tuffey had him bang to rights with an lbw appeal.

When Shane Watson and Ponting then peeled off 34 off 12 balls the die seemed cast.
However Dan Vettori winkled out both batsmen lbw within six deliveries and the door was ajar for New Zealand.

Man of the match Cameron White and Adam Voges' 65-run stand for the fourth wicket put Australia back in charge.

In the same breath he could have given the batting collective a slap too for once again letting the side down.

Pride would on the line in Wellington, he added, and Vettori spoke of the good vibe victory there would produce going into the test series.

For the second time in three days New Zealand were dismissed well inside their 50 overs. At Hamilton they left 3.4 overs unused. This time, they were rolled in 44.1 overs, which was an ODI batting crime. Call that 30 runs, minimum, squandered.