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Sydney: A brave cameo from McCullum and a brilliant maiden hundred from Elliott couldn't really avoid a defeat for the New Zealanders. They started off with the handicap of not having McCullum at the top of the order because of his shoulder injury and couldn't tee off to a good start. But things turned a bit during the middle of the inngs with Elliott holding fort and the Batting Powerplay kindled hopes in the Kiwi hearts. But in the end, the Australians held their nerves and won a match after 5 defeats to stay alive in the series.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and eleccted to field first. Brad Haddin's maiden one-day international century was complemented by half-centuries to Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey, propelling Australia to an intimidating 9 for 301 that proved just beyond the grasp of the hard-finishing New Zealand.
The hosts appeared set for a comfortable victory at the fall of Tim Southee's wicket in the 37th over, but a brilliant partnership of 69 from 49 deliveries between Grant Elliott, who struck 115 from 124 balls, and the injured Brendon McCullum (36 from 27) raised hopes of a stunning upset.
Brad Haddin is the Man of the Match for his Maiden ODI century which set the platform for a big score. He is preferred to Grant Elliott, who scored his Maiden ton as well and picked up 2 wickets too.
Brief Score: Australia 9 for 301 (Haddin 109, Clarke 64, Hussey 51) beat New Zealand 269 (Elliott 115) by 32 runs.
