World Cup: Aussies give Kiwis a hiding

Apr 21, 2007 Cricket

One of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the ongoing cricket world cup was reduced to a super-farce, as Australia, riding on the back of a rampaging century by Matthew Hayden, trounced New Zealand by a record 215 runs.

The Aussie batsmen were in fine fettle as Hayden, Ponting, Clarke and Watson pummelled the hapless Kiwi attack to record a total of 348-6 in their 50 overs. Watching the match on TV, the only moment of doubt came when Clarke seemed to misread a ball from Franklin, offered no shot, and was bowled.

New Zealand, having beaten the Aussies 3-0 win in the Chappell-Hadlee series early this year, and the only team seemingly capable of beating them again, tried to begin on a bright note, but then collapsed in a heap to be all out for 133 in just 26 overs !!

The Kiwis were without Oram and Shane Bond, and initially I thought this was similar to the Lankan ploy of “resting” Vaas and Murali against the Aussies, though the reasons seemed genuine in this case.

Whether this was a preview of things to come, I guess only time will tell…

Tags: West Indies, Cricket World Cup