World champion Australia thumped England by eight wickets, while a ruthless Sri Lanka pounded Kenya by a record 172 runs before India edged out arch-rivals Pakistan via bowl-out in the Twenty20 World Cup.
Australia skittled out England for 135 with pacers Nathan Bracken (3-16) and Mitchell Johnson (3-22) wreaking havoc. Andrew Flintoff was the highest scorer for England with his 19-ball knock of 31.
In reply, Australia cruised to 136 for two in just 14.5 overs to seal the match. Openers Adam Gilchrist (45) and Matthew Hayden (67 not out) were in murderous mood as they butchered the English attack. Hayden’s 43-ball knock of 67 was studded with 11 fours and a six.
In another match, Sri Lanka piled up a record total of 260 for 6 against Kenya and their victory margin of 172 runs is also a new record.
Sanath Jayasuriya slammed 88, while captain Mahela Jayawardene struck 65 off just 28 balls and down the order, Jehan Mubarak contributed 46 from 13 balls. In reply, Kenya could only manage 88 for nine in its 20 overs.
India and Pakistan played out the most thrilling match of the day, which actually resulted in a tie before Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s squad won it via Bowl-Out.
In reply to India’s total of 141 for nine, Pakistan needed just one run in the last delivery when Misbah-ul Haq was run out, leading to a tie.
In Bowl-Out, the Indian trio of Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Robin Uthappa hit the stumps but all three Pakistanis — Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul and Shahid Afridi - were off-target.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan, along with India, reaches the Super Eight stage.
