Brisbane, Feb. 13 : Australia managed tto cling to the Chappell-Hadlee Series, thwarting New Zealand''s push for the title at Gabba here on Friday.

Kiwi opener Martin Guptill''s fighting half-century went in vain as the visitors finished at 6 for 123 in the rain-interrupted match.

They were ahead on Duckworth-Lewis, but needed to make 156 in 20 overs to qualify the contest as a match.

The result left the series drawn at 2-2 and Australia kept the prize after their win in 2007-08. It was a sad end for New Zealand after a day that swung from saturated to soggy and slippery.

Earlier, Australia scored 168 for the loss of four wickets. Wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin top scored with 88 (five boundaries and three sixes) and was ably assisted by C. J. Ferguson who scored 55 (seven boundaries).

Guptill then stepped on the pedal and scored his half-century off 24 balls. He went on to 64 off 34, with five fours and three sixes, and after adding 50 in six overs with the debutant Brendon Diamanti (26*). (ANI)