Australia leveled the one-day series against New Zealand after a tense 12-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method in Auckland. Chasing a reduced total of 266 from 45 overs after rain disrupted the innings, the hosts could only make 253 all out despite the best efforts of their tail. Black Caps batsman Scott Styris hit 46 while captain Daniel Vettori made 70. But Mitchell Johnson took four for 51, while Mike Hussey, Cameron White and Brad Haddin hit 50s for the tourists. Ricky Ponting's side was desperate for a win coming into the game having gone one down in the five-match series in Napier Wednesday. And although the visitors once again failed to hit the 300-run mark, their total ultimately proved defendable. Batting first after winning the toss, Australia dissolved from 73-1 to 116-4 in the space of 10 overs. But a 101-run stand from the ever-dependable Hussey (56) and White (54) resurrected the innings, with useful cameos from Johnson (16 not out) and James Hopes (29) helping them finish on 273-7 from 50 overs. Johnson removed dangerman Brendon McCullum for only 24 in reply and his dismissal sparked a mini-collapse to 46-4. The rains arrived briefly to disrupt play and saw the struggling Kiwis handed a revised target of 266. The hosts slowly began to regroup with Styris and a half-fit Vettori leading the fightback. Vettori, whose return to the side was largely prompted by the absence of vice captain Ross Taylor, took charge, hitting eight boundaries and two sixes on his way to a fourth one-day half-century - but it was ultimately in vain. The teams now head south to Hamilton for the third match Tuesday all square. Scores: Australia 273-7 (50 overs) beat New Zealand 253 all out (43.2 overs) by 12 runs (D/L method).
