New Zealand make 290-7 against Australia in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Feb 4 (Reuters) New Zealand made 290 for seven from their 50 overs in the tri-series match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today.

After winning the toss, the Kiwis lost skipper Stephen Fleming cheaply (12) before Lou Vincent and Peter Fulton put the New Zealanders on course for an impressive total.

Vincent (90) and Fulton (60) added 151 for the second wicket in even time to give New Zealand the ideal platform as they bid for the win that would edge them clear of England in the tri-series standings with one group game remaining.

Scott Styris (34), Brendon McCullum (19) and James Franklin (13no) added useful runs down the order to keep the momentum going as the wickets steadily fell.

There were two wickets apiece for Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark and Brett Lee, who went for 18 runs in the 47th over of the innings.

Captain Ricky Ponting returned to the Australia side after missing Friday's defeat to England in Sydney with a hip problem.

Australia are already assured of their place in the three-match finals which start at the same ground on Friday.

REUTERS PM KP1330