SHARJAH, April 18: Opener Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting struck enterprising half-centuries as Australia, fresh from their tri-series triumph in India, scored a convincing six wicket victory over a listless New Zealand to open their Coca Cola Sharjah Cup cricket tournament campaign.Earlier, skipper Stephen Fleming top-scored with 59 for his second consecutive half-century but spineless approach from his fellow batsmen saw the Kiwi innings capitulate for 159 in 48.4 overs.
Wicketkeeper Gilchrist (57: 89b, 3x4, 1x6) and in-form Ricky Ponting (52: 71b, 4x4, 2x6) carved out a smooth 90-run second wicket partnership in a methodical chase before the Aussies suffered some late hiccups in reaching for 160 for four wickets in 36.5 overs and inflict New Zealand their second straight defeat.
Left-hander Michael Bevan struck left-arm spinner Mark Priest for three successive fours to herald victory in style.
Australia, who meet India tomorrow in a grudge match after the latter's reverse in the Pepsi Cup finalin Delhi on April 14, fielded brilliantly after inflicting early damage on the innings from which the Kiwis never recovered.
Medium-pacer Damien Fleming -- declared Man of the Match -- polished off the tail in capturing four wickets for 28 runs and leg-spinner Shane Warne (2-28) put aside his shoulder trouble to snap up two wickets in the space of three balls.
Earlier, Stephen Fleming scored 59 and Chris Harris hit 26 to help the Kiwis past the 150-mark.
New Zealand: Lorne Howell lbw Fleming 13, Nathan Astle run out 7, Chris Cairns c and b Moody 19, Stephen Fleming b Robertson 59, Matthew Horne c Moody b Warne 14, Craig McMillan c Lehmann b Warne 1, Chris Harris c Lehmann b M Waugh 26, Adam Parore b Fleming 5, Dion Nash not out 2, Mark Priest c Gilchrist b Fleming 2, Shayne O'Connor lbw Fleming 0; Extras: (lb7, w4) 11.Total (all out in 48.4 overs) 159.
Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-28, 3-61, 4-90, 5-92, 6-143, 7-153, 8-155, 9-159.Bowling: Fleming 9.4-1-28-4, Kasprowicz 6-0-24-0, Moody 5-0-16-1, Warne10-0-28-2, Robertson 10-0-30-1, M Waugh 8-0-26-1.
Australia: Adam Gilchrist c Astle b Harris 57, Mark Waugh c Fleming b O'Connor 11, Ricky Ponting c Horne b Harris 52, Michael Bevan not out 15, Steve Waugh lbw b McMillan 3, Darren Lehmann not out 11; Extras (lb6, w3, nb2) 11.
Total (for four wickets in 36.5 overs) 160.
Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-125, 3-131, 4-134.
Bowling: Shayne O'Connor 5-0-31-1, Chris Cairns 5-0-24-0, Dion Nash 4-1-15-0, Chris Harris 10-2-31-2, Mark Priest 9.5-1-42-0, Craig McMillan 3-0-11-1.
Man of the Match: Damien Fleming (Aus).
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
