South Africa v/s Australia (Group A) at St. Kitts
Australia 377/6 in 50 overs (Hayden 101, Ponting 91, MJ Clarke 92) beat South Africa 294/10 in 48 overs (AB deVillers 92, GC Smith 74, JH Kallis 48, Hogg 61/3) by 83 runs
Match home
After months of build-up and talking up their respective team's chances, the heavyweights from Australia and SA finally swung into action in this super-charged Group A encounter in the small ground at St. Kitts. Australia batted first and bullied their way to 377 runs (their highest score in a WC). Hayden scored a majestic 101, in the process smashing the fasting WC 100 of 66 balls. This was Australia's 5th successive 300+ score.
Having failed to defend their last 2 300+ scores against NZ, there must have been a few nerves in the Aussie camp when SA started their chase. This was further compounded when SA openers flayed 160 runs in 20 overs and it looked like we could well have a repeat of that match from Johannesburg. A direct hit by Clarke from the boundary followed by Smith's bout of cramps changed the complexion of the game. Smith retired hurt, Kallis couldn't force the pace according the demands of the situation and suddenly the world champions turned the squeeze.
After being in the hunt till about the 25th over, SA eventually fell way short of the target. Australia carry 2 points from this win to the super 8's and look in terrific shape for their 3rd successive WC! As for SA, despite their loss they should still be favorites to reach the semis atleast.
Australia 377/6 in 50 overs (Hayden 101, Ponting 91, MJ Clarke 92) beat South Africa 294/10 in 48 overs (AB deVillers 92, GC Smith 74, JH Kallis 48, Hogg 61/3) by 83 runs
Match home
After months of build-up and talking up their respective team's chances, the heavyweights from Australia and SA finally swung into action in this super-charged Group A encounter in the small ground at St. Kitts. Australia batted first and bullied their way to 377 runs (their highest score in a WC). Hayden scored a majestic 101, in the process smashing the fasting WC 100 of 66 balls. This was Australia's 5th successive 300+ score.Having failed to defend their last 2 300+ scores against NZ, there must have been a few nerves in the Aussie camp when SA started their chase. This was further compounded when SA openers flayed 160 runs in 20 overs and it looked like we could well have a repeat of that match from Johannesburg. A direct hit by Clarke from the boundary followed by Smith's bout of cramps changed the complexion of the game. Smith retired hurt, Kallis couldn't force the pace according the demands of the situation and suddenly the world champions turned the squeeze.
After being in the hunt till about the 25th over, SA eventually fell way short of the target. Australia carry 2 points from this win to the super 8's and look in terrific shape for their 3rd successive WC! As for SA, despite their loss they should still be favorites to reach the semis atleast.
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