New Zealand v Australia, 2005-06

At Christchurch, December 10, 2005 (day/night). New Zealand won by two wickets. Toss: New Zealand. One-day international debut: M. G. Johnson.

An even more run-filled match saw New Zealand snatch victory from Australia, and also capture their four-year-old record (330 at Port Elizabeth) for the highest successful total chasing in a oneday international. They even got there in some comfort - with an over to spare. Styris had given New Zealand a chance with a doughty century, but he was out at the end of the 43rd over, with 74 still needed. Then, with Vettori as his assistant, McCullum led New Zealand to the brink of a famous victory for the second time in a week. And this time he finished things off successfully, sprinting to his half-century from 25 balls, with four sixes and three fours. Australia, put in by Vettori, started poorly but recovered with Hussey suggesting he could be successor to another Michael, Bevan, as the Australian finisher. Hussey's 88 not out came from 56 balls and included seven fours and five sixes, and when Bracken hoisted two more sixes the annihilation was complete: 71 came from the last four overs. New Zealand supersubbed their ailing captain, Fleming, into the game, but he departed again immediately for nought, and it seemed all over when Clark, who finished with four wickets, removed Vincent to make it 61 for three. The fun had barely started. Brett Lee returned home before the match for treatment on a breathing problem, and was replaced by Mitchell Johnson, a 24-year-old left-arm fast bowler from Queensland, who made his debut as Australia's supersub.

Man of the Match: S. B. Styris.