Martin Guptill kept New Zealand's chase on target (Library picture)

Australia retained the Chappell-Hadlee trophy after the deciding game in the five-match series was abandoned with New Zealand closing in on victory.

Brad Haddin (88) took Australia from 30-3 to 168-4 off 22 overs, the Kiwis' target revised to 156 off 20 overs.

Martin Guptill kept the Black Caps in it with 64 not out before rain ended their reply on 123-6 off 14 overs.

As they had not batted 20 overs, the Duckworth-Lewis rule could not be used, leaving the series tied at two apiece.

Haddin was joined by Callum Ferguson (55 not out) with the Australians wobbling on 70-4 and the pair put together an unbeaten 98-run stand to give the innings some impetus.

Haddin struck five boundaries and three sixes, and showed great patience as Ricky Ponting, Mike and David Hussey all fell cheaply, before he steered the hosts to a respectable total of 168.

606: DEBATE Well played New Zealand. Even a second string team from New Zealand could run Australia so close and would have won CROUCHING-TIGER

New Zealand made the worst possible start to their innings when Ben Hilfenhaus bowled dangerman Brendon McCullum for two with the second ball of the innings.

Grant Elliott and Neil Broom went for ducks and Kyle Mills scored just one as the Black Caps struggled, but Guptill smashed an unbeaten 64 from 34 balls and was well supported by debutant Brendon Diamanti (26).

With Australian captain Ponting looking increasingly frustrated in the field, New Zealand looked set for an unlikely victory, needing just 33 runs off 30 balls with two power-plays still to use.

However, the rain came down to deny them a famous win.

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