Unbeaten Aussies go in to Saturday's final

Elmo Rodrigopulle in West Indies

WORLD CUP: The Australian cricketers who remained unbeaten in the ongoing World Cup 2007 upto yesterday maintained its tag when they overcame South Africa by seven wickets in the semifinal. Thus they qualified to play in the Saturday's final against Sri Lanka.

Aussies chasing a target of 150 runs notched up the required runs. in 31.5 overs. South Africa struck a big blow in the early stage capturing the wicket of hard hitting Adam Gilchrist for 1. Next to go was run hungry Skipper Rickey Pointing clean bowled by Nel for 22. Michael Clark who joined Mathew Hayden and steadied the innings. Two of them carried on the total to 110 Hayden stood his ground to score a brilliant 41 runs before departing when the score was 110. Clark too cracked a fine half century. He and Andrew Symonds (18) carried on the good work to reach the required target in 31.5 overs.

Greame Smith the South African captain won the toss and decided to take first strike on a wicket that looked good for a competitive score assisted by a lighting fast outfield. This being another 'sudden death' and with South Africa had to bat with determination. But what unfolded was a sad sight - Protea batsman coming and going in quick succession. The Australian bowlers spearheaded by veteran Glen McGrath who shared the new ball attack this time instead of Shaun Tait with Nathan Bracken immediately began to make inroads into the opponents bating, leaving them helpless.

Greame Smith for the irresponsible shot he played and left his team to sink or swim must be penalised by being stripped of his captaincy. For a captain that shot was appalling.

Smith was in a hurry, left his crease and inside edged a delivery from Bracken to his stumps making 2. Then McGrath got into his wicket taking act knocking out Jacques Kallis for 5, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher for no scores, in successive deliveries. He was on a hat-trick, but next batsman in Justin in Kemp played down the next delivery. After McGrath's devastating burst midway, Shaun Tait had A.B. de Villiers earlier for 15 and Andrew Hall for 3 then spinner - Brad Hogg caught and bowled Shaun Pollock for 5. At one stage South Africa were 27 for six and the game looked set for an early finish. At this score Justin Kemp touched a ball to wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist, but umpire Steve Bucknor remained unmoved.

Adam Gilchrist was as is usual his brilliant self, clutching on to 4 catches. Herchelle Gibbs was the only one to bat with some sort of confidence before tickling a Tait delivery behind the stumps.

Justin Kemp top scored for the Proteas making 49 in 91 balls. The South Africans in making 149 in 43.4 overs registered their lowest score in World Cup cricket. Glen McGrath finished with 3 for 18 and Shaun Tait 4 for 32.

Australia are now tipped to beat South Africa and meet Sri Lanka in the final on Saturday, April 28 in Barbados.

Glena McGrath was declared as the Man of Match for his superlative bowling effort.

Sabina Park, Wednesday