Ponting powers Aussies

In-form Ricky Ponting scored 102 as he led Australia to a dramatic five-wicket win over England in their triangular one-day international series encounter on Sunday.

Australia won with three balls to go, captain Steve Waugh sealing victory with two consecutive fours off Mark Ealham.

Australia, needing 24 off three overs to overhaul England's 268 for four, got back on track when Ian Harvey hit a six over extra cover off the last ball of the penultimate over from Ben Hollioake, leaving five needed off six balls.

Ponting, man of the match in Australia's opening win over Pakistan on Saturday, was involved in stands of 89 with Mark Waugh and 97 with Damien Martyn.

Australia looked in total control at 198 for two before wickets began to tumble in the last 10 overs.

Martyn was bowled by left-arm seamer Alan Mullally for 46, Ponting was run out after a mix-up over a second run with Matthew Symonds, who was then bowled by Darren Gough to make it 230 for five.

England's total was based on a second-wicket partnership of 124 between Marcus Trescothick, who made 69, and Nick Knight, 84.

England, on 25 for one after 10 overs, hit 75 off the next 10 as the two left-handers plundered the Australian attack.

Hollioake, who scored 37, and debutant Owais Shah, with 28, shared an unbroken stand of 70 from 45 balls at the close.

Australia have won both their matches and England lost their two. Pakistan, with one win in two, take on England at Lord's on Tuesday.

Complete Scorecard

Mail Cricket Editor