Chasing Australia’s massive total of 343, New Zealand fell short of 9 runs in their run chase at Perth on Sunday.

Jacob Oram, who is making a comeback on this tour hit his maiden ODI ton of just 70 balls. His innings was studded with six 6’s and four 4’s. He fired on all cylinders to take past the Aussie total along with Brendon Mc Cullum but it was too tough in the end.

The day started with Aussies winning the toss and electing to bat first on a pitch where the bounce was predictable. Aussies lost Gilchrist early but centuries by Hayden and Ponting ensured them passing 300.

The Kiwis started steadily keeping wickets intact but the required run rate had to go up as McGrath and Lee along with Bracken bowled a steady line in the final overs. Once the asking rate crossed 10 per over it became very difficult for the opponents to over come the gigantic score set by the Aussies.

Aussies middle order chipped in with 60 odd runs to take the target out of Kiwi’s reach.

Ponting scored his 21st ton taking him to fourth place after Tendulkar, Jayasuriya and Ganguly in ODI’s.

Brief Scores

Australia- 343-5 (50 overs) beat New Zealand 335- 5 (50 overs)