Australia registered 24th consecutive victory in the World Cup after crushing Zimbabwe by 91 runs at Sardar Patel, Gujarat Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad on Monday.
In pic: Mitchell Johnson is congratulated on dismissing Tatenda Taibu © Associated Press
Ricky Ponting still unbeaten at the World Cup under his captaincy (23).
Chasing a total of 263 runs, Zimbabwe just managed to score 171/10 in 46.2 overs. G Cremer was the top scorer with 37 runs.
For Australia, Mitchell Johnson took four wickets and spared just 19 runs. Tait and Krejza scalped two batsmen each while Lee and David Hussey claimed one wicket each.
Electing to bat first, Australia set 263/6 runs target before Zimbabwe to win the match here at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera Ahmedabad.
It was the much improved bowling performance by Zimbabwe against Australia. Zimbabwean spinners didn’t allow Australian openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin to provide flying start.
However, Watson and Clarke smashed fifty to guide their side towards fighting total. Watson made 79 while Clarke was unbeaten for 58 runs.
For Zimbabwe, Christopher Mpofu claimed two wickets while P Utseya, R OPrice and G Cremer took one wickets each.
Earlier, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and decided to bat first against Zimbabwe here at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad on Monday.
Surprisingly, Australia has decided to play with two spinners, Hason Krejza and Steve Smith. It is believed that Australia wants to check the performance of both the spinners ahead of big matches.
“There is no injuries in the side, this is good news. Guys are excited to kick start the World Cup campaign in style,” Ponting said after winning the toss.
Teams:
Aus: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, CL White, David Hussey, SPD Smith, Mitchell Johnson, JW Hastings, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee.
Zim: BRM Taylor, CK Coventry, T Taibu, SC Williams, CR Ervine, E Chigumbura, P Utseya, R Chakabva, AG Cremer, GA Lamb, RW Price
Aus vs Zim: Match preview
A positive looking Australia has aimed winning start against Zimbabwe on Monday.
The defending champions will start their world cup 2011 campaign against Zimbabwe at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad.
For the first time, Ricky Ponting-led Australian team has been playing World Cup without favourite tag.
However, Aussies are aiming a record fourth consecutive World Cup title win. Despite of slump in rankings and poor performances in last two years, the expectations are high from the kangaroos.
As far as today’s match is concerned, it would be a cakewalk for the Aussies. It will be interesting to see, whether trouble-hit Zimbabwe put some fight before Australia or not.
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