Shane Watson (Gallo Images)

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Centurion - Shane Watson struck another commanding century to lead Trophy holders Australia to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Monday.

Australia restricted New Zealand to 200 for nine before reaching 206 for four in 45.2 overs.

It was not all plain sailing for Australia, however, as New Zealand fast bowlers Kyle Mills and Shane Bond claimed a wicket each in the first three overs to leave the defending champions reeling on six for two.

With captain and leading run-scorer Ricky Ponting trapped lbw by the impressive Mills, who finished with three for 27, for just a single, Australia struggled to 37 for two after 16 overs.

But they wriggled off the hook as Watson, who scored 136 not out in the semi-final win over England, showed great composure before hitting successive sixes off spinner Jeetan Patel to end the match and finish on 105 not out.

New Zealand had a great chance to seize control in the 18th over when Cameron White, on 15, skied a pull off Ian Butler but wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum could not take the catch which would have reduced Australia to 41 for three.

The Black Caps regretted the lapse by their stand-in captain, Daniel Vettori having been ruled out of the final with a hamstring strain, as Watson and White (62) put on 128 for the third wicket.

New Zealand had elected to bat first and found themselves in early trouble when McCullum was caught behind off Peter Siddle for a 14-ball duck.

Aaron Redmond (26) and Martin Guptill (40) added 61 for the second wicket, but New Zealand were in a sticky situation once again when they slumped to 94 for five in the 27th over.

Neil Broom, with a career-best 37, and James Franklin (33) put on 65 as the Kiwis resolutely batted out their 50 overs.

Siddle produced an inspired new-ball spell of one for eight in five overs before off-spinner Nathan Hauritz completed figures of three for 37 in 10 excellent overs.