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Australia reach first Trophy final

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MOHALI, India -- World champions Australia defeated a fighting New Zealand by 34 runs on Wednesday to reach their maiden Champions Trophy final, in India.

Fast bowler Glenn McGrath struck three early blows and New Zealand were finally all out for 206 in 46 overs in reply to Australia's 240 for nine on a lively Mohali pitch.

Vice-captain Daniel Vettori (79) almost helped pull off an incredible victory after the Kiwis were struggling at 35 for six wickets.

He put on a record 103-run seventh wicket partnership with Jacob Oram (43) but it was not enough.

Skipper Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds scored 58 apiece to earlier rescue Australia after paceman Kyle Mills dismissed openers Shane Watson (0) and Adam Gilchrist (3) in one over to make it 4 for two.

Mills finished with four for 38 before and fellow strike bowler Shane Bond grabbed two for 55.

Australia will meet holders West Indies or former winners South Africa, who play in the second semifinal in Jaipur on Thursday.

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