Australia's charge toward a third World Cup title in a row looks unstoppable.
Even Brian Lara couldn't prevent Australia's 103-run victory over the West Indies on Wednesday, and South Africa emerged as the most likely challenger by beating Sri Lanka by one wicket in a thriller where Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga took four wickets in four balls.
Australia, however, already beat South Africa by 83 runs in group play and the South Africans are officially the No. 1 ranked one-day team in the world.
PHOTO: AFP
"It's not worrying me at the moment that we've not had any close games," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said after his team bowled the West Indies out for 219 in Antigua in reply to its 322 for six.
"We've played decent cricket since the moment we arrived here. The games we've had so far have been fantastic games and we've set really high standards for ourselves. Our batting in each game has just got better and better," Ponting said.
Despite Lara's 77, it was another easy victory for the Australians, who have scored more than 300 runs in each of their four victories.
The victory put them atop the Super Eights standings with four points and five round-robin games to go. Sri Lanka and West Indies, despite their losses, are level on two points with South Africa and New Zealand.
In Wednesday's other Super Eights match, South Africa appeared to be cruising to victory before Malinga's amazing burst.
Chasing a modest 209 all out, the South Africans were 206 for six with plenty of overs left. But Malinga, who has a wild, slinging action, dismissed Shaun Pollock for 13 and Andrew Hall for zero on the last two balls of his eighth over. He then had Jacques Kallis caught behind for 86 and bowled Makhaya Ntini on the first two balls of his ninth over.
That left South Africa needing three runs from 21 balls with the last two batsmen at the crease. Robin Peterson edged the ball for four to complete a victory with 10 balls to spare.
"That was a pretty stressful last five overs, geez!" said South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who contributed 59.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely