After dismissing New Zealand for 233 on the penultimate ball of their 50 overs, Australia captain Adam Gilchrist led a rollicking response that saw the tourists reach the target in the 34th over for the loss of just three wickets.

Gilchrist and Simon Katich opened with a 78-run partnership in 60 balls, and destroyed the morale of New Zealand's bowling attack as Australia cruised through the fourth one-day match to stay on course for a 5-0 clean sweep.

It was a timely return to form for Gilchrist who had been out of sorts earlier in the first three matches, as he smacked 54 from 37 balls including eight fours and a six.

Not to be outdone, Damien Martyn hit an unbeaten 65 from 78 balls, and Andrew Symonds had three sixes and four fours in his 48 off 37 balls.

The rout came after New Zealand had made their best start of the series with an 84-run opening stand by Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming.

Batting first for the first time in the series after Gilchrist won the toss, Fleming and Astle raced along at five an over in the highest opening stand against Australia by any side in the past 12 months.

But once New Zealand were reduced to 90 for two, after both openers fell within 14 balls of each other, Australia gained control and never relinquished it.

Hamish Marshall (23) and Craig McMillan (35) put on 41 for the fourth wicket, and Chris Cairns later chipped in with a meaty 36, but there was little other sign of resistance.