Cairns powers Kiwis to victory

Explosive all-rounder Chris Cairns unleashed another one-man demolition job at the Gabba on Saturday to steer New Zealand to a thrilling four-wicket win over South Africa in their tri-series clash.

Cairns returned to the ground where he tormented Australia's bowlers during the Test series last November, hitting an unbeaten 102 from 99 balls as New Zealand (244-6) passed South Africa's target of 241 with five balls to spare.

It was a remarkable rescue mission after New Zealand's run chase appeared doomed at 73 for four in their chase.

Then the powerful Cairns strode to the wicket and began a trademark onslaught which included nine fours and three sixes, inflicting the first loss on the South Africans in the tournament. It was his fourth ton in one-day internationals.

The Kiwis were carried home on the back of a stirring seventh-wicket stand of 84 between Cairns and Adam Parore, who finished with 21 not out.

Cairns completed his century in stunning fashion with the last ball of the match, hammering a delivery from South African captain Shaun Pollock to the cover boundary.

The win takes New Zealand to the top of the tri-nations ladder, with 12 points, ahead of South Africa (8) and Australia (nil).

It was the result that Australia didn't want, leaving the winless home team further behind in the race for the finals.

South Africa and Australia lock horns on Sunday in a match crucial for the home country's hopes of reaching next month's best-of-three finals after losing their first three fixtures in the series.

In Saturday's clash, New Zealand looked to be a beaten side before Cairns took over.

After losing opener Mark Richardson to the second ball of the innings for a duck, the Kiwis skidded to 98 for five as Pollock and his pace partner Jacques Kallis snared two early wickets.

The only significant resistance among the top order came from 20-year-old Dunedin right-hander Brendon McCullum, who crafted a useful 37 in only his second one-day international.

The South Africans had earlier appeared set for a formidable total when they reached 204 for the loss of only four wickets, but the lower order failed to fire as six wickets crashed for only 37 runs.

South Africa regrouped well after opener Herschelle Gibbs was bowled by paceman James Franklin off the very first ball. Second-wicket pair Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis speedily repaired the damage, thrashing 50 from the next 54 balls.

The free-hitting Kallis completed his 33rd half-century in one-day internationals, reaching the milestone off 49 balls with seven fours - most superb drives through the off-side.

Kallis (65 from 68 balls, 7x4, 1x6) and Kirsten (43 from 63 balls, 5x4) carried the score to 115 before Kirsten was caught and bowled by Chris Harris and Kallis was trapped by Shane Bond. Jonty Rhodes hit 44 and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher whacked 51.

Bond took the bowling honours, snatching a wonderful 4-37 from 9.3 overs. Franklin (2-41) and Cairns (2-44) also gave strong support.

Scorecard | Images

Also read:
- 4th ODI: Kiwis hand Aussies third straight loss
- 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