Aussies hope to sustain the momentum

After taming the Kiwis, Australian captain Ricky Ponting said his team was gaining momentum to clinch the one title that has eluded them so far.

After taming the New Zealanders in another round of the trans-Tasman rivalry, Australian captain Ricky Ponting said his team was gaining momentum to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy, one title that is missing in their glittering cup-board.

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"The effort was really good. We will be training hard in the next few days and hope this time we go all the way," Ponting said after the three-time World Champions booked their semifinal berth of the 12-nation event with a seven-wicket win over New Zealand at the Oval on Thursday.

Australia are now just two matches away from winning the title. They would face the winner of tomorrow's England versus Sri Lanka tie in the semifinals on September 21.

Ponting was effusive in his praise for striker bowler Glenn McGrath and Andrew Symonds, both of whom played crucial roles in the Aussies' victory.

McGrath took three wickets for 39 as Australia restricted New Zealand to 198 for nine in 50 overs. They achieved the target in just 37.2 overs with Symonds blasting a 47-ball 71 which was studded with seven fours and four sixes.

"McGrath bowled a few bad balls in his first three overs but came back very well to take three vital wickets.