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Another half-century from captain Ricky Ponting had Australia on track for victory over New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket match here tonight.
With his team chasing 255 to win, Ponting brought up his 64th one-day international half-century off 60 deliveries as Australia reached 154 for two when light rain forced the players from the field in the 27th over.
If there was no further play, Australia would win as they were comfortably ahead of the asking rate under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Opener Adam Gilchrist gave Australia a flying start, smashing 51 off just 29 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before paceman Chris Martin had him caught by Ross Taylor.
New Zealand should have dismissed Gilchrist for 38 when he was caught behind but Martin was called for a no-ball.
Matthew Hayden was first to go when Kyle Mills had him caught and bowled for 17 and the New Zealanders pulled back the run rate.
Australia's opening stand was worth 69 off just 6.5 overs.
After a period of consolidation, Ponting and Michael Clarke had added an unbroken 79 for the third wicket, with Clarke unbeaten on 33.
- NZPA
