Oz win despite Cairns, Mills flurry

Australia withstood a late flurry of exciting strokeplay from pace bowler Kyle Mills to beat New Zealand by 17 runs in Wednesday’s second ODI to square their best-of-three series at 1-1. Mills smashed four successive sixes on his way to 44 not out as New Zealand’s tail threatened to grab victory from under the world champions’ noses.

Australia recovered from a middle-order batting collapse to post 261-7 from their 50 overs then dismissed the Kiwis for 244 in the 48th over. New Zealand looked out of the game when they slumped to 86-6 before the tail fought a rearguard action. It ended when Chris Harris, who dislocated his shoulder while fielding and came in at number 11, was bowled by Glenn McGrath for four.

A dashing 60 by Adam Gilchrist laid the foundations for Australia’s total while Darren Lehmann (52) and man of the match Brad Hogg (41 n.o.) provided the finishing touches.

Brief scores:

Australia: 261-7 (A Gilchrist 60, M Hayden 43, R Ponting 32, D Lehmann 52, B Hogg 41 n.o) bt New Zealand: 244 (S Fleming 34, C Cairns 50, D Vettori 33, K Mills 44 n.o; B Hogg 3-45)