Australia romp to seven-wicket win over Canada

Thursday, 17 March 2011 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters) - Holders Australia eased to an seven-wicket win over Canada in the World Cup Group A on Wednesday with openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin getting some useful practice on a perfect batting pitch.

The pair looked likely to guide Australia past the Canadian total of 211 but both were out caught with the victory in sight.

Watson led the way, smashing the attack of Canadian part-timers to all parts of the ground in his 94 which included four sixes. He was eventually out, lobbing a catch to Henry Osinde off Harvir Baidwan at long on.

Haddin had earlier perished for 88 after glancing a stray legside delivery from John Davison straight into the gloves of Ashish Bagai to end the opening partnership at 183.

A wide from Osinde ended the game with with 91 balls to spare.

Canada had also enjoyed themselves after winning the toss and batting first with opener Hiral Patel making 54 and helping his side make a surprisingly speedy start before the Australian attack led by Brett Lee (4-46) sliced through the middle order.

It was Australia’s 34th World Cup game unbeaten, a run stretching back to 1999.