Australia reaches 100 after Shane Watson half-century against Zimbabwe – Update ICC World Cup 2011
Shane Watson’s resilient 50 runs has laid a solid platform for Australia against Zimbabwe in their opening game of the ICC World Cup 2011 being played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a result, Australia has started off in a resolute manner,
piling up 100 runs for the loss of one wicket in 26 overs. The Kangaroos needed a solid base for the remainder of the batting order and the side’s premier opening batsman answered the call.
The pitch has been on the slower side and has proved friendly for spin bowlers. Zimbabwe houses a versatile spin attack in their line-up, which can test the best batsmen in the world with their flight and guile.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry pitch. It was a good decision, considering the fact that the pitch would vary even more in the second innings and could easily hamper the flow runs. Brad Haddin and Watson created a solid opening partnership
for their team, adding 61 runs in 19 overs. Haddin was a bit slow in his approach, scoring 29 runs off 66 deliveries. Meanwhile, Watson was measured in his batting and he remained unbeaten for his 50-run innings, hammering five fours in his calculated knock.
Ponting has just arrived at the crease and he is middling the ball nicely. Currently the Australian captain is batting on 16 off 30 deliveries. The ongoing partnership between Ponting and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 is very important, as it will determine the final total for
the Aussies.
Nevertheless, the Rhodesian bowlers have put up a determined bowling performance and have not allowed the opposition to score runs quickly. Most bowlers conceded less than four runs per over. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 used spin bowlers from both ends, as the wicket offered
help to the spinners. In doing so, they have put a strangled hold on the opposition willowers and have tied the scoring-rate down.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Price-c82662 bowled miserably and was unable to pick up a wicket. Craig Cremer has been impressive with his gritty leg-spin bowling and has looked like a threatening bowler.
Ponting or Watson has to score a century if Australia wants to rack up a massive total. On the other hand, Zimbabwe has to take a couple of wickets in order restrict the opposition to a manageable total.
Keep checking back for more update as the match continues.
Tags: