Matthew Hayden scored the fastest hundred in a World Cup match and defending champion Australia topped Group A with an 83-run win over top-ranked South Africa on Saturday.
Inspired by Hayden’s 66-ball century and contributions of 92 by Michael Clarke and 91 by Ricky Ponting, Australia posted 377 for six from 50 overs, the third-highest total at a World Cup.
The South Africans were racing in reply with AB De Villiers (92) and Graeme Smith (74) putting on 160 for the first wicket in 21 overs.
But de Villiers’ dismissal — run out by Shane Watson’s direct hit from the outfield – and a cramp that caused Smith to retire hurt took the momentum out of the chase.
Australia took the last nine wickets for 74 runs and South Africa was out for 294 in the 48th over in what was another World Cup record — for the highest aggregate total in a match. – Sapa-AP