Aussies beat Kiwis in tight match

CB Series, match five (Sydney): Australia 224-8 beat New Zealand 218 by two wickets

Match scorecard

Michael Clarke showed his value with a confident score of 75

Two major fielding errors cost New Zealand as Australia edged to victory in the fifth match of the CB Series.

Michael Clarke was dropped on 16 before top-scoring with 75, while Michael Hussey should have been run out on 18 and finished unbeaten on 65.

Australia were 17-3 chasing 218 to win before Clarke, Hussey and Andrew Symonds steered Australia to their eighth consecutive win in one-dayers.

Craig McMillan hit 89 for the Kiwis, but his team-mates batted poorly.

The Australian seamers enjoyed profitable returns - Stuart Clark took 4-54, Glenn McGrath 3-24 and Brett Lee, expensive late on, 2-45.

New Zealand were in dire straits at 136-7 in the 37th over before rallying through McMillan and James Franklin.

Though Franklin made just 18, he contributed to a partnership of 57 from 39 balls.

McGrath accounted for both men - Franklin swatting a short ball to deep square leg and McMillan hitting a full toss back to the bowler.

McMillan's wicket was a controversial one. The delivery looked above waist height when it reached the batsman and should have been called a no-ball.

McGrath was easily the most economical bowler on show

It was nonetheless sweet revenge for McGrath, who had attracted an edge off McMillan's bat with the right-hander on one - only for umpire Asad Rauf to rule not out.

Nathan Bracken wrapped up the innings in the 48th over, bowling last man Michael Mason with a full-pitched delivery.

As they had done against England last Friday, Australia struggled with a run-chase that should have proved much easier on a good wicket for batting.

Mason (2-46) was impressive early on and New Zealand were right back in it when the top three were sent back to the pavilion early.

But the Aussies were let off the hook when James Franklin spilt an easy skier at fine leg.

After Daniel Vettori ended a stand of 60 between Clarke and Symonds, Australia had their next slice of luck when Clarke and Hussey ran to the same end after a mix-up over a run.

But Vettori and Hamish Marshall contrived to make a dog's dinner of what should have been an easy run-out and the Aussies prospered through the delayed final power-play.

At 167-4, Australia were cruising home. But back came the Kiwis - three quick wickets making it 197-7.

Hussey and Bracken put on 19 vital runs before the eighth wicket fell with two more runs needed.

Then Hussey showed why he is rated the world's best batsman in one-day cricket by staying to the end, making the winning hit with a six off Nathan Astle with eight balls remaining.