REUTERS
Australia's captain Ricky Ponting hits a boundary against New Zealand during their first match of the Chappel-Hadlee one-day cricket series in Adelaide yesterday.

MELBOURNE (Reuters)

Captain Ricky Ponting stroked 107 not out while Adam Gilchrist smashed a 26-ball half century to guide Australia to a seven-wicket victory in their first one-day match against New Zealand in Adelaide yesterday.

Ponting was as at his mercurial best to notch his 24th one-day international ton, while Gilchrist, who cracked six fours and two sixes before being dismissed for 51, took the game away from New Zealand, who made 254 for seven off 50 overs.

Ponting also combined with Michael Clarke (48) for a 135-run match-winning partnership after Matthew Hayden (17) and Gilchrist were dismissed in quick succession, though Gilchrist's onslaught had put Australia firmly in control.

"Gilchrist was pretty brutal. He had a go and really took the momentum away from us," said New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.

Wicketkeeper Brendon Mc-Cullum and Ross Taylor (50) provided the bulk of New Zealand's runs but both fell at crucial times when trying to increase the scoring rate after being bogged down by tight Australian bowling.

McCullum, promoted to open the batting, anchored New Zealand's innings with 96 - his highest one-day score - but was caught by Nathan Bracken in the deep off left-arm spinner Brad Hogg just when it seemed he would push on to three figures.