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WELLINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters): Australia beat New Zealand by 87 runs in the third one-day international in Auckland Saturday to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey hit half-centuries in an unbroken, record partnership of 136 to help Australia amass 264 for five before New Zealand collapsed to 177 all out in the 42nd over.
Hamish Marshall was the only New Zealand batsman to show any real resistance, top-scoring with 55 from 87 balls. No one else made more than 27.
New Zealand's chances of keeping the series alive were not helped by a horror start from opening bowler Daryl Tuffey, later followed by an injury to opening batsman Michael Papps.
Tuffey conceded 16 runs off the first over of the match, which took 14 deliveries to complete after four no-balls and four wides.
Papps was then forced to retire hurt and taken to nearby hospital for precautionary checks after twice being struck on the helmet by Australia's express paceman Brett Lee.
Clarke, named man of the match, smashed an unbeaten 71 off 75 balls while Hussey made 65 not out from 73 deliveries as the pair set a one-day record for the sixth wicket for Australia.
Left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori collected two wickets while Chris Cairns and Kyle Mills picked up one apiece to briefly put the brakes on the scoring before Clarke and Hussey's late charge.
Clarke struck six boundaries while Hussey hit three fours and a six as the pair bludgeoned 56 from the last five overs.
New Zealand were in immediate trouble when they lost Fleming for one and Nathan Astle for 27 after Papps had retired on three.
Marshall steadied the innings with his half-century but after he and his twin brother James, making his international debut, were run out by direct hits from Andrew Symonds, New Zealand's victory hopes disappeared.
The teams play again in Wellington Tuesday before the series finale in Napier next Saturday.
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