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by Dinesh Weerawansa

The awesome Aussies as they are better known underlined why they are so called by thrashing the New Zealanders by 164 runs in their first game of the ICC Mini world Cup tourney at the SSC ground on Monday, September 16.

These two teams have always known to contest fiercely, be it a Test or a one-day game. This was so after the famous underarm bowling incident when skipper Greg Chappel asked his younger brother Trevor to send an underarm ball, which evoked tremendous controversy. But as the game progressed it was apparent that the Aussies led by the dashing Ricky Ponting were no match to the Kiwis.

Ponting called right and had first go on a pitch which was on the slow side.

What is admirable in this Aussie get up is that they have the batsmen who can adjust on any type of wicket and score the total that puts pressure on the opponents.

As usual Adam Gilchrist and Mathew Hayden both left handers pulverised the Kiwi attack and scored at will to post an opening stand of 68. Gilchrist was the first to go for 44 with the score on 68.

That was the start that the Aussies were looking for. Batsmen to follow Ponting 37, Martyn a well controlled 73, Lehmann 35 and Bevan 21 helped swell the total along with opener Hayden who sparkled with 43.

The Aussies ran up an imposing 296 for 7 in their 50 overs which at the end proved to much for the Kiwis who had no answer to the blistering pace of Glen McGrath who sliced through the Kiwis batting to return the amazing figures of 5 for 37 in 7 overs with a maiden.

Brett Lee let his thunderbolts do the talking bagging 3 for 38 in 6 overs to bundle out the New Zealanders for a paltry 132 and give their side a victory by 164 runs in a contest which can be tagged as one sided. Stephen Fleming the Kiwi skipper opened the innings in an endeavour to make a match of it considering that the Aussies had made a big total.

But his effort was in vain as the persevering McGrath had him plumb in front for 12 and with that Kiwi chances of victory evaporated as they lost wickets in quick succession to be dismissed for 132.

It was game that promised so much but ended in a victory for the yellow and green shirted Australians who did not have to raise much of a sweat in pocketing this victory. One could not understand the collapse of the kiwis. The wicket held no terrors.

It was their inability to cope with the moving ball that spelt doom for them.

McGrath was simply unplayable.

He continues to improve with each game and it is his amazing fitness that allows him to hurl at the opposing batsmen with nagging accuracy and lure them to their demise.   [Back]

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