AUCKLAND: Brett Lee took three wickets for five runs in a hostile six-over spell which hurried New Zealand out for 105 on Saturday, giving Australia a 147-run win in game one of the Chappell-Hadlee limited-overs cricket series.

Half centuries by Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting lifted Australia to 252 for eight, batting first after losing the toss, and New Zealand stumbled in reply to its fourth-lowest one-day score against Australia and its 13th loss in its last 14 matches against its Tasman neighbour.

Captain's knock

Ponting made 63 from 64 balls and Katich compiled a more studied 54 from 65 deliveries in a 117-run second-wicket partnership that swelled Australia's total and presented New Zealand with a formidable run chase.

Ponting surpassed Mark Waugh as Australia's leading runscorer in one-day cricket. He found stalwart support from Katich, Andrew Symonds (44) Michael Clarke (31) and Mike Hussey, who was unbeaten on 21 from 21 balls.

Lee's intimidating spell left New Zealand's top order in tatters.

Inheriting the leadership of the Australian pace attack from Glenn McGrath, who is being rested for this series, Lee bowled one of his most venomous spells in one-day matches. — AP

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