Cricket: Ricky Ponting proved an unlikely ally in England's bid to reach the Commonwealth Bank Series final with a magnificent century as Australia beat New Zealand by five wickets in Melbourne.
Ponting made 104 off just 113 balls as the home side broke the record for the highest successful run chase in a one-day international at the MCG by making 291 for five - winning with 10 balls to spare.
Brad Hodge, who came into the encounter having made just one run in his previous two innings, also played a pivotal role, hitting 99 not out - falling agonisingly short of his maiden ODI ton - to put himself back in serious contention for a place in Australia's World Cup squad.
Defeat was hard on the Black Caps, who now face a winner-takes-all showdown with England on Tuesday in Brisbane for the right to meet the Aussies in the best-of-three final.