Grenada

Matthew Hayden’s third century of the tournament helped champions Australia extend their unbeaten run at the World Cup to 27 matches with a 215-run Super Eights thrashing of fellow semifinalists New Zealand at Grenada’s National Stadium on Friday. Hayden’s 103 off 100 balls was the centrepiece of Australia’s 348-6.

There are few more thrilling sights in cricket than watching a fast bowler in action. That’s why the crowd at Grenada’s National Stadium on Friday will be doubly fortunate when champions Australia and New Zealand wrap up their World Cup Super Eights campaign.

New Zealand exploited favourable early bowling conditions on Saturday to defeat South Africa by five wickets and follow defending champions Australia into the World Cup semifinals. Shane Bond and James Franklin took a wicket each in the first three overs and Craig McMillan picked up three cheap wickets near the end to restrict South Africa to 193 for seven.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith says playing with freedom and natural flair holds the key to his team’s revived Cricket World Cup campaign. He said an aggressive policy paid off in the 67-run Super Eights win over the West Indies at the Grenada National Stadium on Tuesday.

South Africa restricted West Indies to 289 for nine wickets on Tuesday for a 67-run Super Eights victory that just about ended the tournament host’s chances of reaching the World Cup semifinals. AB de Villiers hit 146 and South Africa hammered 134 off the last 10 overs to set up a crushing victory at the brand new Grenada National Stadium.

The West Indies and South Africa go into their World Cup Super Eights match at the Grenada National Stadium on Tuesday, both knowing that a defeat could end their chances of reaching the semifinals. South Africa suffered a blow on Sunday when they lost their world number-one ranking.