Kiwis hand Aussies third
straight loss

New Zealand handed World Cup champions Australia their third successive loss with a 23-run victory in the fourth match of the triangular limited overs series on Thursday.

Australia made 212 all out from 47.2 overs chasing 236 to win from their 49 overs.

Australia's one-day specialist Michael Bevan paced the innings, scoring 66 before he was caught at first slip by Scott Styris off the bowling of Chris Cairns in the 39th over at 174 for five.

Stand-in captain Cairns (31 and 1-32) and Chris Harris (42 not out and 3-37 plus two catches) led the Kiwis to a brave victory after they had won the toss and started poorly with the bat, scoring 81 for three from their first 25 overs.

Craig McMillan (39) and Cairns added 61 for the fourth wicket before Harris took charge in the final 10 overs that yielded a further 70 runs for four wickets.

Cairns replaced Stephen Fleming as captain after the regular skipper withdrew when he injured his elbow during the warm-up.

A slow over-rate by Australia's bowlers meant Australia could face a maximum of only 49 overs in their innings.

Australia lost their opening games to New Zealand and South Africa last week and have no points from three matches while South Africa (eight points) are unbeaten from two games and the Kiwis (eight points) have two wins from three matches.

Scorecard | Images

Also read:
- 3rd ODI: South Africa surge to top of standings
- 2nd ODI: South Africa make it double agony for Australia
- 1st ODI: Kiwis score upset victory over Australia

Mail Cricket Editor