Australia has moved into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy with a convincing seven-wicket win over New Zealand.

After New Zealand recovered to scramble 9-198 off its 50 overs, Australia reached 3-199 in 37.2 overs to set up a semi-final against the winner of the match between England and Sri Lanka.

Despite losing Adam Gilchrist in the first over, the Australians never looked in trouble.

Man of the match Andrew Symonds, who blasted four sixes in his 71 not out off 47 balls and Damien Martyn (60 not out off 71) hammered Australia home while Matthew Hayden made 47.

Glenn McGrath made the early impact on a shellshocked Kiwi top order, taking 3-3 in 19 balls after Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming had belted five fours off his first four overs to move comfortably to 0-30.

When Michael Kasprowicz chipped in with three quick wickets and Craig McMillan was run out, New Zealand had dived to 7-89 and was looking as fragile as the United States or Kenya did in their thrashings earlier in the tournament.

But a fighting 68-run ninth wicket stand between Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori off 79 balls which followed 35 runs put on by McCullum and Chris Harris steered the Kiwis out of total embarrassment.

"That was a great win today, McGrath and the fast bowlers did a fantastic job for us early in the game, got us early wickets," captain Ricky Ponting said.

"When they were four or five down early in the game we felt as if we were in control for the rest of the day.

"If we keep playing like we did today I know we're going to be right in every game we're going to play."

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