Australia beat Kiwis in Adelaide ODI, level series

Adelaide, Feb.10 (ANI): The Hussey brothers -- Mike and David -- on Tuesday ensured that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy would be decided by Friday's final match in Brisbane after they helped Australia to a six-wicket win that levelled the series 2-2.

For the first time in the series, New Zealand batted first and they posted a moderate 244, which on a good pitch was not enough against an Australian batting order starting to find form.

The game was to some degree overshadowed by the Victorian bushfire appeal that surrounded it, with contributions from players, sponsors, spectators and administrators totalling just over six million dollars.

Replying to the Kiwi total, Australia scored 247 for the loss of four wickets.

David Hussey scored 79, while elder brother Mike scored an unbeaten 75 with five boundaries and two sixes. The other significant contributor was wicketkeeper Brad Haddin with 43.

For New Zealand, which scored 244 for the loss of eight wickets, middle order bat Ross Taylor top scored with 76.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson snared three wickets for 51 runs. (ANI)