New Zealand achieved a certain impossible by making a clean sweep of the Chappell-Hadlee series beating the Aussies by 1 wicket in the final one-dayer at Seddon Park Hamilton on Tuesday.

Batting first Australia posted a daunting total of 346 for five after Matthew Hayden batted through the entire innings to remain unbeaten on 181 from 166 balls, the highest score by an Australian in a one-day international. His innings was studded with 10 sixes and 11 fours marred by a broken toe while reaching his century.

Hayden who broke Mark Waugh’s highest individual one day score also broke Andrew Symonds’ record of 156 for the highest individual score in New Zealand as Australia posted the second highest total by any team on New Zealand soil.

All-rounder Shane Watson made 68 off 69 balls after being promoted to open the innings with Hayden and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin smacked 38 off 31 deliveries. Brad Hodge (12), Mike Hussey (13) and Cameron White (12) all went cheaply chasing quick runs at the end of the innings, leaving Adam Voges unbeaten on 16 in his international debut.

New Zealand’s run chase was shaky with half of the side back in the pavilion for 116. But Craig McMillan’s 117 of 97 balls tilted the pendulum towards the kiwis and revived hopes of reaching the target. Craig McMillan posted the fastest one-day hundred by a New Zealander while wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum blazed an unbeaten 86 in New Zealand’s 350-9.

Although the Aussies were without their strike bowlers, the Kiwis made the most of a weak Aussie attack. Bracken and Johnson who came in place of McGrath weren’t spared either as McMillan smashed every loose delivery to the fence.
 
The final over was the turning point as the kiwis needed 7 runs of 6 balls when McCullum dispatched the first delivery for a six which leveled the score and hit the next delivery to the fence to clinch the series 3-0.

MoM Hayden and the team couldn’t believe the run chase by the kiwis. The Aussies need a lot to think before the WC gets underway next month. This match will surely go down as one of the most amazing run-chases in cricket history.

Brief Scores

Australia 346-5 in 50 overs lost to New Zealand 350-9 in 49.3 overs.