Australia hammer New Zealand to remain unbeaten

Elmo Rodrigopulle in West Indies

WORLD CUP: Australia inflicted the worst thrashing on New Zealand when they trounced them by 215 runs in the final Super 8 match of the World Cup 2007 at the Grenada National Stadium, here on Friday.

Australia made 348 for 6 in 50 overs and New Zealand could make only 133 in 25.4 overs. with this victory, the Australians maintained their unbeaten run in the Group stage and the Super 8 series.

In their chase for victory, the Kiwis batting collapsed like a pack of cards as pacemen Shaun Tait, Glen McGrath and the spin of Brad Hogg got to work. A crowd of 12,249 flocked the ground and expected to see a keenly contested battle.

But that battle did not materialise as the Kiwis just capitulated. Peter Foulton was the only batsman to offer some resistance, before being finally out, bowled round his legs by Brad Hogg for 62.

Shaun Tait had 3 for 32, McGrath 2 for 25 and Brad Hogg 4 for 29 and Shane Watson 1 for 20.

The Man of the Match was Matthew Hayden.

Earlier a magnificent 103 from man of the match Matthew Hayden and power packed 65 from Shane Watson savaged the New Zealand bowling as Australia ran up a massive 348 for 6. Hayden who has now made his third century in the current World Cup had 10 fours and 2 sixes in his 101 ball 103.

Watson who came back to the Australian side after recovering from injury took the Kiwi attack by the scruff of its neck and sprayed it to all corners of the field and over it as well. He had 4 big sixes in his 65 that was made in just 32 balls. Earlier Ricky Pointing too made a quick fire 66, with his 50 coming in 53 balls.

Hayden and Ponting put on 137 for the second wicket after they lost Adam Gilchrist for 1 with the score on 7.

Both Hayden and Ponting showed the way for the batsmen following, by not allowing the New Zealand bowlers to get on top.

It was a truly remarkable innings by the big made left-hander Matthew Hayden. His cuts, pulls and driving on both sides of the wicket was marvellous. Ponting who was letting Hayden do the scoring, also nudged the ball around and pulled and cut cleverly.

When Hayden reached thee figures, he also signalled the 100th 100 in World Cup cricket since its inception in 1975.

After Ponting left at 144 for a well made 66. Hayden and Michael Clarke too made merry to put on 72 for the third wicket.

Clarke too was in great form, and when well set for a half century, left a ball from James Franklin and was bowled one short of his 50. Hayden went at 216 and Clarke at 257.

Then came the fireworks when Shane Watson joined Michael Hussey who was promoted in the batting order. Hussey made 37.

Watson began slowly, but once he got a good look at the bowling and the pace of the wicket, he just stepped on the pedal and motored at great speed to devastate the Kiwis. Watson's 50 in 28 balls was one of the quickest half tons in the World Cup.

Ricky Ponting won the toss and did well in electing to bat first as the massive Australian scored proved.

Australia left out Brad Hodge and brought in Shane Watson, so that he could fine tune his game what with the semi-finals and final looming.

New Zealand had to reluctantly leave out their pace ace Shane Bond who was having gastric problems.

Grenada, Friday.