Breaking/Brief news
March 15, 2007
Merciless Australia destroy Scotland, Kenya win against Canada
In St. Kitts, Ricky Ponting's Australia fired a clear warning shot today, mercilessly destroying Scotland.
That Australia would beat Scotland was clear. It was also evident that they would win by a wide margin. That they won by such a margin was impressive, considering that the Scottish bowling had done a reasonable job for the first 45 overs of the match. A flurry of runs at the end and a dominant bowling performance led to the huge margin of 209 runs.
Ponting became the 2007 World Cup's first centurion in making 113 off 93 balls to lead Australia 334/6 and the big win, the second largest ever in the World Cup. Ponting also tied the World Cup record of 4 centuries and took sole position of second place in the all time World Cup runs scored list. Two things stand out in my mind about the Aussie performance (besides Ponting's ton):
1) Brad Hogg gives Australia some serious lower order depth. He blasted 24 today off the final over, in making 40 off 15 balls. Not bad for a number 8. The batting will be even deeper with Andrew Symonds' return.
2) The Aussies have to be concerned about Shaun Tait. Yes, he bowled at over 90 mph and yes he took a couple wickets. But to go at 5.62 runs an over against Scotland? I wonder what the Proteas will do to him. Retiring Glen McGrath will have to once again be the leader of the Aussie attack.
In St Lucia, Steve Tikolo's Kenya executed a clinical victory over Canada. They restricted the Canadians to 199 and then reached the target with 7 wickets in hand. Tikolo palyed a captain's knock of an almost run-a-ball undefeated 72. Kenya have a very real shot at making it to the next round and should not be overlooked by New Zealand or England. Former Bajan Andy Cummins played credibly for Canada, conceding 32 runs off his 8 overs. He becomes the second player, after Kepler Wessels to play for two countries in World Cups.
Tomorrow, look for carnage in Trinidad as Sri Lanka takes on Bermuda, and for an Irish upset in Jamaica as Ireland plays Zimbabwe.
Labels: 2007 world cup, australia, canada, cummins, kenya, ponting, scotland, world cup
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