Sydney, January 21:

Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey made half-centuries and shared a 90-run partnership to steer Australia to a two-wicket win over New Zealand in a tri-series cricket match today.

Clarke made 75 and Hussey clinched Australia’s fourth win in as many tri-series matches with an unbeaten 65, hitting a six to reach the winning target with eight balls to spare. Australia lost Adam Gilchrist (3) and Matthew Hayden (0) with only six runs on the board and were 17/7 when Ponting was out for five. Clarke was involved in the partnerships of 60 with Andrew Symonds (38) and 90 with Hussey.

Earlier, New Zealand were 7/2 before Craig McMillan plundered 89 off 87 balls to lift them to 218 in 47.4 overs. The failure of the top order and a poor performance in the field contributed to the Kiwis’ third loss in as many games.