World Champs win a cliff-hanger

A swashbuckling century from dynamic all-rounder Andrew Symonds has guided Australia to a series victory, as they defeated New Zealand by two runs at the Westpac Stadium in one of the best one-day matches played in the history of the game.

The Australians who batted first, posted a huge total of 5-322 thanks to a gargantuan partnership of 220 between Symonds (156) and Clarke (82no) and looked destined for an easy win.

However, the Kiwis responded brilliantly and led by dashing opener Lou Vincent (71) they made a fantastic start. Expensive bowling from Brett Lee and sensational batting from wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum (49) brought the game down to the wire, but heroics from debutant Mick Lewis ensured the Aussies would restrict the Black Caps to 320 with one delivery to spare.

The victory ensures the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will remain in Australia, with the Aussies wrapping up the three-match series tonight, by going 2-0 in front.

The Kiwis were celebrating early, as consistent line and length had Australia in a spot of bother with Gilchrist (8), Ponting (24), Hodge (0) and Katich (39) all failing to make half-centuries as the world champs struggled to 4/101.

Out strode Michael Clarke, a batsmen dumped from the Test side, and under increasing pressure. He joined Symonds at the crease and the two combined for an awesome exhibition of big hitting late on, coupled with hard running between the wickets and skilful shots early.

Symonds' 156 came from just 127 balls with 12 fours and eight sixes coming from the burly Queenslander. However, it could have been so different for Australia and Symonds as he was dropped on 13 by Chris Cairns at third man in a mistake that cost New Zealand the match.

Symonds scored his 50 from 70 deliveries, but once in the zone there was no stopping him. His next 50 came from just 39 deliveries, which was followed by 50 more in 16 balls.

Clarke played the perfect support role for Symonds, hitting 82 runs from 77 deliveries with the New South Welshman in a rich vein of form after smashing 201 unbeaten against Queensland in the Pura Cup just over a week ago.

New Zealand's bowlers copped a pasting late on, and despite a fantastic early start from Kyle Mills - who had 2/24 off eight overs - his final two overs cost him 36 runs.

In the end it was only a tired shot which saw Symonds fall, as Daniel Vettori bowled the big-hitting batsman to end a superb innings.

After their embarrassing loss in game one, the Kiwis had a point to prove.

Lou Vincent and Nathan Astle approached the wicket with confidence and nothing to lose, and Vincent took to Australian openers Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken with the right-hander belting both to all parts of the park.

When Vincent fell for 71 from just 49 deliveries it sparked a collapse as debutant Lewis claimed a double salvo dismissing Vincent and then Astle for 23 soon after.

Craig McMillan (9) and Hamish Marshall (10) failed to help the cause in a massive run-chase and the Kiwis were in trouble.

But Scott Styris (25) and Chris Cairns (60) helped to rectify the situation with both playing their shots in an attempt to secure victory.

Brendon McCullum (49) joined Jacob Oram (41) for a sensational partnership and the hosts got the run-rate required down to 10 runs an over.

Oram fell to an expensive Lee, but Vettori came to the wicket and played some enterprising strokes and alongside McCullum put the Kiwis into a seemingly unbeatable position.

Lee's last over and the last of the innings was an absolute shambles as Lee once more failed to step up when his country needed him most. Fair enough, he performs against Bangladesh and the West Indies and when there is no pressure on him (Game 1) but under pressure Lee cracked.

A ridiculous chest high beam ball was signaled a no ball and it went racing away for four, as McCullum who attempted to jump out of the way. The next ball was a wide, as Lee attempted to fire in a bouncer and nearly hit his front toe.

Then came an intriguing decision, as Billy Bowden (after being informed by NZ players) called a no-ball as there were just three players inside the circle. Lee's last over went for 18 and he finished with the grossly expensive figures of 1/85 from 10 overs.

Six runs were required from six balls, but debutant Lewis kept the Kiwis at bay. His first two deliveries were yorkers which were dug away for singles, before Clarke produced a brilliant throw to run McCullum out via a direct hit for 49.

Mills strode to the wicket and on his first delivery, was run out by Lewis who stopped a well-hit ball before sprinting to the bowlers end and removing the bails before Mills could make his ground.

The decision was referred back to the third umpire, who signalled out and sent the Australians into a state of delirium whilst the Kiwis slumped to the ground, absolutely shattered.

Andrew Symonds was rewarded with Man of the Match honours for his 156, but Lewis wasn't behind with three for 55 and a run-out.

The series concludes on Saturday, with Game Three in Christchurch.

Full scorecard available here.

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