Bond, umpires give NZ a chance

Published: 2:01PM Saturday March 13, 2010

Source: ONE Sport

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Bond, umpires give NZ a chance (Source: Photosport)

Ricky Ponting and Daniel Vettori take the toss - Source: Photosport

Two poor umpiring decisions and a fiery Shane Bond spell had the fifth and final Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket international poised for a tense finish on Saturday.

Chasing 242 to complete a 4-1 series victory, Australia slumped to 93 for four after 25 overs at Westpac Stadium.

There was plenty of controversy early in the run chase after New Zealand posted 241 for nine off their 50 overs.

Australia lost the big wickets of Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting in consecutive deliveries against a fired-up Bond, in the seventh over of the innings.

Haddin (17) hooked a pinpoint Bond bouncer to square leg then Ponting was given the same treatment first ball as the New Zealanders appealed for caught behind.

Local umpire Gary Baxter obliged after a long wait, but replays showed a fuming Ponting never got near the ball and it brushed his helmet.

Cameron White played out the hat-trick delivery but was soon removed for six when he played a false pull shot at Tim Southee.

Adam Voges soon followed for five, although his caught behind off Southee was also a dubious decision by Pakistan's Asad Rauf as replays showed he missed the ball.

Opener Shane Watson notched his half-century off 69 balls, including four boundaries, and was joined by the experienced Michael Hussey at the crease.