Haddin Holds Australia Together In Brisbane

Australia 168-4 (Haddin 88no, Ferguson 55no) v
New Zealand
Scorecard
By Graham Wilson
Fifth One Day International, Brisbane

Brad Haddin hammered New Zealand for 88 in 65 balls as Australia made 168 for four in 22 overs in the deciding fifth One Day International of the Chappell-Hadlee series in Brisbane. A further delay due to rain means that New Zealand will have 20 overs to bat with a reduced target of 156.

New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl, getting early success with the wickets of James Hopes (5), Ricky Ponting (2), David Hussey (6) and Mike Hussey (9) before Haddin and Callum Ferguson stepped on the accelerator after coming together with Australia on 70 for four.

They took full advantage of the batting Power Play, 30 runs coming from two overs, with both men peppering the straight boundaries in particular. Ferguson, who could have been run out on two, offered Dan Vettori a sharp chance on 42 and after it wasn't held, he smashed Iain O'Brien over Vettori's head for another boundary.

He completed a maiden ODI half-century in the 21st over having faced just 33 balls and Haddin followed up with a massive straight six off of Tim Southee.

Haddin closed the innings in emphatic style, chipping O'Brien over his shoulder and launching another huge straight six, finishing on 88 with Ferguson unbeaten on 55 at the other end.

Australia hold the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and looked set to retain it as rain prevented any play before it finally eased up at the Gabba. Michael Clarke was ruled out though injury and Australia handed a debut to Peter Siddle while New Zealand gave Brendon Diamanti a debut with Craig Cumming missing out.

The series is level at 2-2

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