Cricket: Reiffel shot downs Kiwis

GENEROUS to a fault this winter, Australia did their level best to scorn victory once again in Christchurch yesterday before finally fumbling their way to a one-wicket win over New Zealand and so take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five one-day series.

Resuming on 51 for 2 after rain had prevented a finish on Sunday, Australia required another 146 in 31.3 overs and appeared well on schedule while Mark Waugh and David Boon were extending their third- wicket stand to 103 off 122 balls.

The medium pace of Chris Harris then accounted for three wickets in the space of 17 deliveries and with three overs remaining Australia were teetering on 179 for 7. Steve Waugh brought his side to the brink of victory, making 30 before being yorked by Danny Morrison with the scores level, but Tony Dodemaide was run out going for the winning run and the balance shifted once more until Paul Reiffel, whose 4 for 38 had done most to keep the home batsmen in check, ended the fretting by swatting Pringle over square leg with three balls to spare.