
Brad Haddin hit his maiden one-day century as Australia ended a five-match losing streak with a 32-run win over New Zealand in Sydney.Promoted to open the batting, Haddin made 109 off 114 balls before being run out as the home side totalled 301-9.They then reduced New Zealand to 183-7 but all-rounder Grant Elliott kept them in the hunt with a superb 115.He was caught in the 45th over and the Kiwis were eventually all out for 269, but still lead the series 2-1.The promotion of Haddin to the top of the order for the first time since September 2004 was prompted by Australia's decision to cut short skipper Ricky Ponting's two-match break following a six-wicket defeat in Melbourne.It proved a shrewd move as Haddin and Michael Clarke set them on their way with an opening stand of 135 before Clarke, on 64, drove a ball from Elliott to extra-cover.Elliott also picked up the wicket of Ponting for 16, caught at deep square leg, but Haddin hit three sixes as he progressed to his century - although he needed a slice of luck on 75 when Peter Fulton dropped him at long-on.
Posted by M Naveed Khan at
4:49 AM