Watson in wonderland

20 April 2007

Shane Watson shapes to sweep as he races to 65 off just 32 deliveries © Getty Images

Shane Watson was delighted to be part of another crushing Australia victory as the holders warmed up for the World Cup semi-finals with a 215-run win against New Zealand in Grenada.

Making his comeback after missing the last three matches with a torn calf, the all-rounder blasted an unbeaten 65 off just 32 balls as Australia racked up 348 for six from their 50 overs in St George's.

They then ran through the Black Caps inside 26 overs, dismissing them for 133.

"It's a great performance today," Watson said. "That's what we were looking to do - put another good performance together - and that's exactly what we did for the whole duration of the game so we're stoked.

"That's our game-plan - to try and make sure we win as convincingly as possible.

"It's been a pretty hard three weeks but it's been a lot of fun to be a part of another victory in the World Cup."

As for next week's semi-final against South Africa in St Lucia, Watson added: "I can't wait. It's just so great to be a part of the team again and we're really pumped for the semi-finals."

Despite some brutal hitting, Watson was beaten to the man-of-the-match award by opener Matthew Hayden, who made yet another century in what is proving a seminal World Cup for the big left-hander.

Matthew Hayden on the way to another century and the match award © Getty Images

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The 35-year-old was keen to play down the significance of Australia's recent all-conquering form, saying: "Obviously, it's been a great tournament thus far but we've to two more games to go.

"It'll be worth absolutely zero if we don't go all the way now."

Hayden was nevertheless delighted with his own form, adding: "To be a part of this great team you need to work really hard. You never take anything for granted."

Captain Ricky Ponting was full of praise for his side, singling out Watson and Hayden in particular.

"Once again the batting was terrific," he said. "We had some great partnerships at the top of the innings."

On Hayden, he added: "He's got to be in the form of his career as far as the one-day game goes. It's been a treat for everyone to watch."

Opposite number Stephen Fleming acknowledged his under-strength side had been well beaten but insisted confidence would not be affected for their own semi against Sri Lanka.

"It was a tough day," he said. "It had a little bit to do with the dead nature of the game.

"We've had one eye on the game against Sri Lanka anyway. You've got to be up for it to compete with them (Australia).

"When you're chasing a big score, you've got to get off to a positive start and we didn't do that."