Cricket: Black Caps in world record win

Kyle Mills of NZ (R) celebrates his LBW of Adam Gilchrist of Australia at Jade Stadium in Christchurch. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Scott Styris stroked his way to his third one-day century to lead New Zealand to the highest successful run chase in limited overs history tonight.  

The Black Caps secured a two-wicket victory over Australia in Christchurch in the third and final game of the Chappell-Hadlee series.  

They were chasing Australia's daunting 331 for seven after Mike Hussey smashed 88 not out off 56 balls in the closing overs of their innings.  

But in reply, Styris anchored New Zealand's successful chase of 332 for eight in 49 overs with 101 off 96 balls.  

The previous highest successful run chase was the 330 for seven Australia scored against South Africa at Port Elizabeth in April 2002.  

Pakistan has the highest second-innings record of 344 for eight, though they lost the match to India by five runs.  

New Zealand's bowling had been below par. Mike Hussey and Nathan Bracken led a late onslaught, with a flurry of sixes flying into the Jade Stadium stands.

Hussey finished on 88 off 56 balls, while Bracken hit 21 off twelve.

Earlier, Ricky Ponting smashed 75 off 67, Brad Hodge scored 59 and Michael Clarke 71.

Chris Martin took three wickets, albeit expensive ones, while Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills took two. New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori had won the toss and chose to bowl.

New Zealand made two changes from the team which lost the second match at Wellington by two runs on Wednesday. Seam bowler Chris Martin came in for James Franklin while usual captain Stephen Fleming was named super sub in place of James Marshall.

Daniel Vettori retains the captaincy from Fleming, who is returning from a month's break after recovering from facial surgery to remove a tumour.

Australia made two changes from the Wellington match. Cameron White replaced fellow-spin bowler Brad Hogg while pace bowler Mick Lewis comes into the starting 11 in place of Brett Lee, with the uncapped Mitchell Johnson named super sub.

Australia won the series 2-1.

Teams:

New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin. Super sub: Stephen Fleming.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, Brad Hodge, Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Cameron White, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken, Mick Lewis. Super sub: Mitchell Johnson.

Umpires: Gary Baxter (New Zealand), Aleem Dar (Pakistan).

- REUTERS, NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB