Photographs: Reuters
Australia pacers Brett Lee and Peter Siddle started off well, resorting to a tight line and length and were successful in keeping the Kiwi openers quiet. The first three overs fetched just five runs, with Brendon McCullum unable to open his account after 12 deliveries.
The frustration eventually brought about his downfall. The right-hander tried to play the cut shot against Peter Siddle but ended up edging behind to wicketkeeper Tim Paine and was out for a 14-ball duck.
Kiwi batsmen struggle
Image: Brett LeeOpener Aaron Redmond seemed all at sea against the swing of Lee and scored just three from 18 deliveries.
It was Martin Guptill who brought New Zeaqland temporary relief, when he drove Lee through mid-off for the first boundary of the innings in the seventh over.
Hauritz restricts the Kiwis
Image: Nathan HauritzNew Zealand's hopes rested on the in-form Martin Guptill, but even he lost his wicket when looking good for a big knock. The right-hander, who scored 40 from 64 deliveries, pushed one straight back to the bowler and was caught and bowled by Hauritz.
Four deliveries later, Ross Taylor fell for six, brilliantly caught by Michael Hussey off left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson.
Off-spinner Hauritz caused the most damage, claiming three for 37 in ten overs, as New Zealand finished on 200 for nine in their 50 overs.
NZ put Australia under pressure
Image: Shane Bond celebrates after taking the wicket of Tim PaineNew Zealand made a spirited start with the ball to put Australia under pressure, courtesy their opening bowlers Shane Bond and Kyle Mills.
With such a low total to defend, New Zealand were off to a flying start, claiming two wickets in the first three overs. New Zealand's premier bowler Bond answered his team's call of duty with a wicket of Paine (1) off the second delivery he bowled, getting the right-hander to edge one to Ross Taylor at first slip.
To the Kiwis' delight, the in-form and tournament's highest scorer Ricky Ponting lasted just four deliveries. He was trapped leg before wicket by Kyle Mills for 1.
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