New Zealand crushed Australia by 10 wickets in the first Chappell-Hadlee one-day match series in Wellington on Friday.

Shane Bond wrecked the Aussie batting line-up captured five wickets for 23 runs as New Zealand bundled out Australians for just 148 in 49.3 overs. The Aussie stand in skipper Mike Hussey top-scored with 42.

New Zealand reached the target with 23 overs to spare, skipper Stephen Fleming ending on 70 not out and Lou Vincent hitting Mitchell Johnson for six to seal the win and finish unbeaten on 73.

Aussies went into the three-match series without their five key players- Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and Michael Clarke and it proved more than vital for loosing against the kiwis.

The last 10 days have put the Aussies against the wall with loosing the last three games including this one has come in for lot of flak. Beaten 2-0 by England in the tri-series finals last week, the Aussies have struggled for form in their last few matches and are in danger of defending their world champion title in the upcoming world cup starting next month.
 
However, there was some concern for the hosts when big all-rounder Jacob Oram injured a finger after taking a routine catch off Mitchell Johnson and was rushed to hospital for X-rays.

Brief Scores

Australia 148 in 19.3 overs lost to New Zealand 149 for no loss in 27 overs