Centuries by Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden helped Australia maintain their winning streak with an unexpectedly narrow eight-run victory over a plucky New Zealand in their triangular series one-day international at the WACA Ground yesterday.
Ponting won the toss and elected to bat in extremely hot conditions. His decision was vindicated as Australia capitalized on New Zealand fielding errors to post the highest score ever in a one-day international at the ground, making 343 for five.
In reply, the Kiwis produced a valiant attempt at an unlikely victory, also eclipsing the old record in making 335 for five.
Recalled Black Caps opener Lou Vincent led the resistance with 66, before falling to a bad umpiring decision when he was adjudged lbw by Asad Rauf even though the ball struck bat rather than pad.
Jacob Oram, who made 86 against England on Friday, then continued his fine form by weighing in with a magnificent 101 not out that was his first one-day international century and included six massive sixes.
Oram faced just 71 balls in reaching his hundred and put on 137 for the sixth-wicket with Brendon McCullum (46 not out) as the pair threatened an incredible victory.
However, Australia held on to make it six wins from as many matches in the tri-series and extend their winning streak to 12 games, including Tests, one-dayers and a Twenty20 international.
Ponting was not impressed by the closeness of the result.
"Our bowlers were put under some pretty intense pressure and we didn't cope as well as I would have liked," he said.
"We have got some work to do, our [bowling] lengths towards the end were all wrong and we have to get it right," Ponting said.
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