Craig McMillan’s impressive 89 could not halt Australia recording a two-wicket win over the BLACKCAPS at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
McMillan’s run-a-ball innings helped the New Zealanders to 218 all out in 47.4 overs, having elected to bat.
The 30-year-old’s effort ensured a competitive total after early dismissals left the team in early trouble.
The tourists, who had themselves been at seven for two and 17 for three, then had their hosts in similarly dire straits.
Early wickets to James Franklin and Michael Mason had the hosts in trouble, but Michael Clarke (75), Michael Hussey (65 not out) and Andrew Symonds (38) earned their side victory.
Fleming opened the innings with Nathan Astle on a very warm afternoon in New South Wales.
The conditions caused little bother for the hosts. Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist combined to remove Nathan Astle and Hamish Marshall, both for no score.
Fleming added 12, moving the score onto 38, but lost his wicket to Stuart Clark, who finished four for 54.
McMillan came to the wicket and made steady progress with Peter Fulton (26) and Brendon McCullum (15).
He then dominated a 39-ball stand with James Franklin (18) striking 56 in partnership with the left-hander.
Tailenders Michael Mason and Mark Gillespie adding 13 in as many balls, the innings closing when Nathan Bracken bowled Gillespie.
Franklin took Gilchrist for three, and Mason’s removal of Matthew Hayden (no score) via a Ross Taylor catch raised hopes.
Optimism continued when Ponting was removed, trapped lbw by Mason for five.
Symonds joined Clarke at the crease and launched seven fours before playing on to Vettori.
A stand of 90 with Hussey, who survived a run out attempt while Clarke was dropped at fine leg, put Australia in charge.
Daniel Vettori eventually accounted for Clarke to complete tidy figures of two for 41 from 10.
Gillespie claimed two lower-order wickets, but Hussey’s reputation as an expert finisher was enhanced by another match-winning knock, concluded by a six off the fourth ball of the penultimate over.
The win put Australia into the final, with the BLACKCAPS needing to overcome England for the other berth in the three-match series.
