Australian batsmen Michael Bevan and Ricky Ponting steered their side to a crushing six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the triangular one-day international in Melbourne.

The Aussies coasted home with 67 balls to spare after dismissing the Kiwis for just 141 on Wednesday. Bevan scored 42 to add to his 2-26 with the ball and was named man-of-the-match.

Ponting was unbeaten on 60 off 92 balls as Australia reached 142-4 in the 39th over.

They are now second behind South Africa in the one-day series going into the Christmas break.

Ponting and Bevan put on 95 for the fourth wicket until Bevan became Chris Cairns' fourth victim with the score on 117.

But there was more misery for Australia's out-of-form one-day captain Steve Waugh, dismissed for nought second ball, edging Cairns to wicketkeeper Adam Parore.

Cairns also dismissed Steve's brother Mark Waugh during a spell of three wickets in 10 balls, giving New Zealand a glimmer of hope.

But Ponting and Bevan were in no mood to buckle as Australia sealed their second win in four games in the series so far.

Chris Harris's 62 not out was the backbone of New Zealand's innings. He came in at number eight after the top order had crumbled to 75-7.

Scorecards

New Zealand

Total (four wickets, 38.5 overs) 142

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-22, 3-22, 4-117

Bowling: O'Connor 10-0-43-0 (4w), Cairns 10-3-40-4 (1nb 1w), Vettori 9-1-32-0 (2w), Harris 9.5-1-23-0 (1w).

Australia won by six wickets

Standings (played, won, lost, points):
South Africa 4 3 1 6
Australia 4 2 2 4
New Zealand 4 1 3 2

 

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