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Australia crush Black Caps to clinch series

Australia batsman James Hopes, right, is run out by New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum during their match at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Skipper Ricky Ponting and his bowlers tormented New Zealand yesterday as Australia reclaimed the Chappell Hadlee Trophy one-day series at Bellerive Oval in emphatic fashion.

The juggernaut Australians clobbered the Black Caps for 282 for six off their 50 overs and then reduced them to 168 all out off just 34 overs to seal a 114-run victory and a 2-0 series victory.

Ponting's men lost the last series 3-0 in New Zealand in February, just months before they went through the World Cup unconquered in the Caribbean.

It was Australia's 17th victory in their last completed 19 one-day internationals, emphasizing the gulf with the rest of the cricket world.

Ponting's unbeaten 134 off 133 balls, following his 107 off 108 balls in Australia's opening series win in Adelaide last week, justifiably made him man of the series.

Once Ponting powered Australia to their 282 total, the pressure was on the Kiwis to stay in the contest after New Zealand won the toss and sent them into bat.

Andrew Symonds smashed 52 off 63 balls with four fours and opener Matthew Hayden contributed 29 off 32 balls to the home team's total.

After speedster Brett Lee removed both openers, Brendon McCullum (6) and Jamie How (2), inside the first five overs, the Black Caps were always up against it and they slumped to 88 for seven before some late lusty hitting by Scott Styris delayed the inevitable.

Styris crashed two sixes and nine fours in his belligerent 75 off 79 balls, including three consecutive boundaries off Lee before the pace spearhead rattled his middle-stump with a yorker.

Lee claimed 3-47 off nine overs and leg-spinner Brad Hogg 3-49 from six overs.
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