New Zealand beat Australia
Published:Wednesday | March 3, 2010 | 1:04 PM
Scott Styris blasted a quickfire 49 to propel hosts New Zealand to a two-wicket win over Australia in Napier in the first of their five-match one-day series.
Australia posted 275 for 8, with Mike Hussey scoring 59, Shane Watson 45, Ricky Ponting 44 and Cameron White and James Hoopes 33 each.
Needing 275 for victory, New Zealand achieved the win in the last over finishing on 281 for eight with four balls remaining.
Ross Taylor top scored for New Zealand with 70 after Brendon McCullum 45 and Peter Ingram 40 gave them good start.
Styris who scored 49 off 53 balls lofted Doug Bollinger for a match-winning six in the final over.
Bollinger was the most successful bowler for Australia with two for 58.
The second match will take place in Auckland on Friday.