Rain, No Play

Matthew Hayden scored a 66 ball century.

On Saturday in the tiny Warner Park in St Kitts, Matthew Hayden scored the fastest ever World Cup ton as Australia blasted their way to 377/6. Despite the mammoth total, the third highest in World Cup history, there was significant doubt as to whether the Aussies could defend it, given their failure to defend 434 against these same South Africans last year. Australia's worries were further compounded by them not defending scores of 337 and 346 in February against New Zealand

Hayden's century came off 66 balls, besting Canadian John Davison's 67 ball ton against the Windies in 2003, and was the foundation of the big score. He was well supported by a 161 run partnership between Ponting and Clarke who made 91 and 92 respectively. Every Australian batsman scored at greater than a run a ball. Shaun Pollock took the brunt of the assault from Hayden and Gilchrist, as he returned his worst ever figures of 0-83 from his 10 overs.

When South Africa came to bat, the run chase was on as South Africa reached 160 in the 21st over before a stunning throw from Shane Watson ran out AB de Villiers for 92. South Africa were still well placed when captain Graeme Smith had to retire hurt at 184/1 due to cramping. The game was lost however when Herschelle Gibbs misread the wrong 'un from Brad Hogg and was stumped as he tried to launch a second consecutive six. The score at that time was 220/2 in the 32nd over. South Africa continued to lose wickets regularly and fell for 294 in 48 overs. Jacques Kallis must take a lot of the blame for the loss as he came in at the fall of de Villier's wicket and instead of maintaining the run rate, his 48 consumed all of 63 deliveries.

In St. Lucia, England managed to get through to the Super Eights. Needing to beat Kenya to advance, the English did just that. James Anderson and Sajid Mahmood rattled the Kenyans early, reducing them to 73/3. Only captain Steve Tikolo's fluent knock of 76 lent any respectability to Kenya's total of 177. In reply, the English confidently reached their total in the 33rd over. Knocks of 76 from man of the match Ed Joyce and 56n.o from Kevin Pieterson ensured the English victory.

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