Welcome to the highlights of Australia vs New Zealand - The 9th match of the 1997-98 Carlton & United Series triangular One-Day International cricket tournament between Australia and New Zealand was played at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney on January 14, 1998.
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| Ricky Ponting plays a shot © Colin Whelan/Action Photographics |
Match Overview:
Ricky Ponting's stroke-filled 84 with his brilliant fielding to two run outs & took an exceptional diving catch, Darren Lehmann's half-century and Ian Harvey's three-wickets sets up to Australia massive 131-run victory over New Zealand and qualify for the best-of-three-finals in a rain-hit, one-sided ninth match of a Carlton and United Series.
Match Report:
Ricky Ponting stroked 84 and also played a key role in the field as Australia thrashed New Zealand by 131 runs to clinch a place in the World Series Cup final.
Despite being without limited overs captain Steve Waugh and opener Mark Waugh, Australia's inexperienced side scored 250 all out before routing New Zealand for 119 in the limited overs day-night match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
With Steve Waugh side-lined by a hip muscle injury, Shane Warne took temporary charge as Australia booked a meeting with South Africa in the best-of-three final of the triangular tournament later this month.
Ponting, one of only three test regulars in the side, was influential both with the bat and in the field where he executed two brilliant run outs and took an exceptional diving catch in the covers as New Zealand's innings fell apart.
New Zealand, having reached 51 for one, lost their last nine wickets for 68 as Australia wrapped up victory with almost 14 overs to spare.
The match was reduced from 50 to 48 overs after two interruptions because of rain but New Zealand were given only 47 overs to bat after being penalised for a slow over rate.
It was the first time in 12 years Australia have taken the field in a limited overs international without at least one of the Waugh twins in their line-up.
Queenslander opener Jimmy Maher, summoned at late notice when Mark Waugh was ruled out with influenza, failed as Australia slumped to 36 for three after nine overs.
Ponting, who made his 84 from 103 balls, rescued the innings by adding 132 for the fourth wicket with Darren Lehmann, who contributed 52 in 69 balls.
Australia's innings folded swiftly when they lost their last three wickets in the final over.
Warne bowled superbly after bringing himself into the attack after 21 overs, finishing with two wickets, while test team mate and seamer Paul Reiffel was typically economical.
All-rounder Ian Harvey, having failed when promoted to number three as a pinch-hitter, redeemed himself with his medium-pacers by taking three for 17.
Although New Zealand can still equal Australia's total of three wins in the competition's qualifying round, they would still be eliminated because of their inferior record in matches between the two sides.
South Africa have already qualified by winning five of their first six matches.
In-Depth Match Highlights:
Australia bowled out for 250 in 47.5 overs - match reduced from 50 to 48-overs per a side - due to two interruptions of rain- with top scorer by Ricky Ponting cracked a 84 off 102-balls, Darren Lehmann cracked a 52 off 69-balls including a boundary.
Adam Gilchrist hit a run-a-ball 28-runs including a boundary, Michael Bevan cracked a 25 off 30-balls included a four and Paul Reiffel scored 17 off 13-balls contained a boundary.
New Zealand best bowler by Shayne O'Connor claimed a 4-wickets for 51-runs in 9.5-overs, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris both took 2-wickets and one for Chris Cairn.
New Zealand bundled out for 119 in 33.1 overs - New Zealand's allocation overs reduced from 48 to 47-overs due to one over fined for a slow over rate - with top scorer by Stephen Fleming cracked a 28 off 53-balls without a boundary.
Bryan Strang struck 22 off 40-balls including 2-fours and Matt Horne hit 14 off 25-balls contained two-fours.
Australia best bowler by Ian Harvey picked up 3-wickets for 17-runs in 7-overs including a maiden with economy rate of 2.42, Shane Warne took 2-wickets and one for Tom Moody - Paul Wilson.
Ricky Ponting named Player of the match for his brilliant batting performance to scored a 84 off facing 102-balls including 8-fours & a six.
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