Hayden - en route to superb 88 (Getty Images)
Australia v Namibia
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Australia cruised into the World Cup Super Six with an emphatic 256-run
destruction of Namibia in Potchefstroom today.
Glenn McGrath tore through the Africans' top order to claim a World Cup-record
seven for 15 as Namibia were shot out for a miserable 45 after just 14 overs.
The win was the Australians' 11th in succession in one-day internationals,
also equalling a world record.
Namibia had produced another disciplined performance in the field but could
still do little to prevent Matthew Hayden, Andrew Symonds and Darren Lehmann
hitting half centuries in a formidable 301 for six.
Hayden led the way with a destructive 88 from 73 balls before Symonds chipped
in with a well-constructed 59 after a stand of 86 with Damien Martyn.
Lehmann then applied the finishing touches by blasting a World Cup-record 28
off the last over of the innings from Rudi van Vuuren.
The Africans had otherwise bowled and fielded with enthusiasm to continue the
positive impression they have given during the tournament.
Louis Burger produced an impressive spell of bowling to finish with creditable
figures of three for 39 from his 10 overs.
He ended Hayden's onslaught by clipping his off stump as the opener attempted
one big shot too many and also accounted for Michael Bevan and Ricky Ponting.
Symonds' excellent knock was only brought to an end after a dreadful mix up
with Martyn that left both batsmen at one end. Martyn, who weighed in with 35,
was bowled soon after by Bjorn Kotze but Lehmann picked up the attack to finish
the innings in style.
McGrath then gave the batsmen a thorough work-out to become only the third
person to claim seven wickets in a World Cup match.
Five of his victims were taken behind the stumps with Ponting catching
Jan-Berry Burger and Adam Gilchrist taking Morne Karg, Danie Kuelder, Deon Kotze
and Louis Burger.
Gavin Murgatroyd was trapped leg before and Bjorn Kotze was comprehensively
bowled. Only Deon Kotze made it into double figures.
Andy Bichel wrapped up proceedings by giving Gilchrist another two victims in
Melt van Schoor and Rudi van Vuuren.
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