Australia into World Cup quarter-finals

Monday, 14 March 2011 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

(AFP) - Reigning champions Australia eased into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a 60-run victory over Group A makeweights Kenya at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.

Australia's players celebrate the dismissal of Kenya's Alex Obanda during their ICC Cricket World Cup group A match in Bangalore

Kenya, chasing 325 for victory, were held to 264 for six in their fifth defeat in five matches.

But Collins Obuya (98 not out) and Tanmay Mishra (72) kept Australia at bay as they failed to dismiss the minnows, with the title-holders' attack taking just three wickets -- the other three fell to run-outs -- between them.

Australia, now unbeaten in 33 World Cup matches dating back to 1999, lost three wickets for 16 runs to slump to 143 for four after captain Ricky Ponting won the toss.

But a stand of 114 between vice-captain Michael Clarke (93) and the returning Michael Hussey (54) revived the innings as Australia, bidding for a fourth successive World Cup title and fifth in all, finished on 324 for six.

Australia remain the only unbeaten team at this World Cup.

Brief scores

Australia 324-6 (Michael Clarke 93, Brad Haddin 65, Michael Hussey 54) v Kenya 264-6 (Collins Obuya 98 not out, Tanmay Mishra 72)

Australia won by 60 runs