Michael Bevan gave the cricket world another reminder why he's the best man for a crisis by setting up Australia's 44-run win over New Zealand in the tri-series match in Guwahati.

While his teammates showed a lack of patience on a slow pitch in the north-east Indian city, Bevan stood supreme with a fine 84 not out from 96 balls in Australia's total of 7-225.

New Zealand was in a position to threaten at 2-66 but lost key batsmen Stephen Fleming and Craig McMillan in successive overs and never really recovered, eventually all out for 181.

Nathan Bracken continued his good form with 3-34 and Brad Hogg took 2-29 as Australia beat its trans-Tasman rivals for the sixth successive match.

Bevan showed great composure as Australia's innings trickled along in the middle overs before he and Andy Bichel (15 not out) got things going by taking 58 runs off the last eight overs.

"It was extremely important," Australian captain Ricky Ponting said of Bevan's knock.

"At one stage it looked like we were probably only going to get to around 200 and Michael accelerated well towards the end of his innings and we got 225 on the board.

"I thought that was going to be enough runs if we bowled well and we managed to bowl pretty well."

Australia rested openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden and paceman Brad Williams, but Ponting said the trio was a good chance to return for the last pool match against India, in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Australia's place in the November 18 final is secure, with India favoured to edge out New Zealand for the other berth at Eden Gardens.

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