Adelaide, December 14:

Ricky Ponting scored 100 runs from 100 balls on his way to an unbeaten 107 as Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the first of three one-day internationals.

Adam Gilchrist added 51 runs and Michael Clarke 48 as the Australians won the first match in the Chappell-Hadlee series, scoring 255-3. The second match is on Sunday in Sydney.

Earlier, wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum scored 96 off 103 — his highest total in ODIs — as New Zealand reached 254-7 after skipper Daniel Vettori won the toss. Australia restricted the visitors to 59 runs in the final 10 overs as Ross Taylor (50) and Jacob Oram (32 not out) also added to the Kiwis’ total.

Shaun Tait, 3-59, led the Australian bowlers, while Brett Lee took 2-48.