Australia's taken a 2-1 lead in the five match one day series against the Black Caps with a six wicket win at Hamilton's Seddon Park.

The Black Caps were guilty of failing to bat out the 50 overs, dismissed for 245 in the 47th over with Ross Taylor making 62. Gareth Hopkins chipped in with 45 and Scott Styris made 41.

In reply, opener Brad Haddin struck 110 and captain Ricky Ponting made 69 as Australia reached its target of 246 with 2.4 overs to spare. Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and Michael Mason picked up one wicket each for New Zealand.

Ross Taylor says the Black Caps fell well short of a competitive total and 280 would have been a par score. He says they are simply not putting enough solid partnerships together.

Ponting says his team finally produced a good performance. He says Haddin's effort was outstanding and hopefully he can repeat it in the remaining two games.

Australia leads the five match series 2-1 with the next match in Auckland tomorrow.