Australia defeats Zimbabwe by 91 runs

The defending champions Australia defeated Zimbabwe by 91 runs in their first world cup match at Ahmedabad. The match was played at Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Zimbabwe's accurate bowling restricted Australia's batsmen from scoring at a brisk pace. In their allotted 50 overs, Australia scored 262 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.

All rounder Shane Watson was the top scorer for Australia with 79 runs from 92 balls with 8 - 4s and 1 - 6s. The opening pair of Watson and Haddin played safely at a sedate pace. The first 50 runs took 14.1 overs or 85 balls.

Haddin was the first wicket to fall when the score read 61 runs, he scored 29 runs from 66 balls with 3 - 4s. Michael Clarke played a cameo with 58 runs from 55 balls with 4 - 4s.

Zimbabwean bowlers bowled very well backed up by their excellent fielding. Mpofu was the pick of the bowler with 2 wickets, Price, Utseya and Cremer took 1 wicket each.

In reply, Zimbabwe faltered in their chase with losing more wickets early in the innings. Zimbabwe lost 4 wickets in the first 12.3 overs with score at 44. Australian fast bowlers were focused on their job to bundle Zimbabwe early.

Utseya and Cremer delayed the inevitable with some focused batting. Utseya scored 24 runs from 45 balls and Cremer scored 37 runs from 51 balls. Zimbabwe was all out for 171 runs in 46.2 overs.

Mitchell Johnson was the pick of the Australian bowlers claiming 4 wickets by giving just 19 runs in 9.2 overs. Shaun Tait and Krejza took 2 wickets each and Brett Lee & David Hussey took 1 wicket each.

Shane Watson was adjudged Player of the match.

Source : Equity Bulls

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