Australia withstood a late flurry of exciting strokeplay from pace bowler Kyle Mills to beat New Zealand by 17 runs in Wednesday's second limited-overs international to square their best-of-three series at 1-1.
Mills smashed four successive sixes on his way to 44 not out as New Zealand's tail threatened to grab victory from under the world champions' noses.
Australia's victory ensured the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee series would be decided at Brisbane on Friday after they lost the first match in Melbourne on Sunday by four wickets.
"It was a lot closer than I thought it was going to be," said Australian captain Ricky Ponting. "I suppose I could have brought the fast bowlers on a bit earlier."
Australia recovered from a middle-order batting collapse to post 261 for seven from their 50 overs then dismissed the Kiwis for 244 in the 48th over.