13 Mar 2010

Australia to chase 242 for victory in fifth ODI in Wellington

5:43 pm on 13 March 2010

The New Zealand cricketers have again struggled to set a competitive run target in the one-day series against Australia, in Wellington.

The Black Caps will at least be pleased that they managed to bat out their fifty overs, making 241 for 9, with Darryl Tuffey caught on the last ball of the innings after making a very valuable 36 of 41 balls.

Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat in the dead-rubber, fifth international in Wellington.

Brendan McCullum was caught by Ponting off the bowling of Clint McKay for one run on the first ball of the fifth over, and on the last ball, fellow opener Martin Guptill was run out on 7 by James Hopes.

Shanan Stewart, playing only his second game for the Black Caps, was caught by keeper Brad Haddin is Mitchell Johnson's first over for 6.

Ross Taylor and Scott Styris came together to steady the shaky effort with a partnership of 53, but Taylor gave his wicket away softly to Shane Watson, caught by Doug Bollinger for 30.

Styris went on to make 55, combining well with captain Daniel Vettori, but was bowled in the 32nd over by Hopes.

Vettori followed soon after, bowled by Bollinger, walking back to the dressing room with the score on 155 for 6.

Righ arm spinner Nathan Hauritz finally joined the other Australian bowlers in claiming a wicket, when wicketkeeper Black Caps Gareth Hopkins was caught behind on 26.

Nathan McCullum was the last wicket to fall, caught and bowled by Johnson on 17, who finished with the best bowling figures of 2 for 42.

Australia, who have won the toss in all five games, had already retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy with victory in game four and a three-one lead in the series.

The New Zealand eleven for game five included spinner Nathan McCullum for all-rounder James Franklin and Michael Mason as 12th man.

Australia promoted paceman McKay for his first game of the series and rested an injured Ryan Harris, while uncapped Tasmanian skipper George Bailey carried the drinks for the visitors.