Line and Length - Times Online - WBLG

Result: Australia have beaten Sri Lanka by seven wickets

Most expected an exciting game today but the absence of the Sri Lankan bowlers Charminder Vaas and Murali Muralitharan - both rested - and a collapse by their top order to 27-3 rendered the result almost inevitable with only an hour played. Chasing a modest 227, Australia played with the customary ruthless efficiency, winning with more than seven overs to spare. Times Online, meanwhile, used a match mostly lacking a competitive edge to warm-up nicely for tomorrow's big match between England and South Africa. Join us from 2.30pm. 

Australia 232-3 (Symonds 63 Ponting 66) Overs: 42.4 Target: 227

Symonds punches a boundary to bring the scores level. Ponting then finishes with panache, slogging Bandara over long-on to give Australia their 20th consecutive win in World Cup matches.

Australia 219-3 (Symonds 59 Ponting 57) Overs: 41 Target: 227

A firm defensive from Symonds runs through midwicket to earn him a single, another one from Ponting draws the inevitable closer. "I really would have loved to have seen Murali bowl on this wicket," sighs Ian Smith. "I'm sure there will be a lot of questions asked after the game about the tactics," replies Greg Blewett, adding, "when I saw the line-up I thought maybe they had niggles, but we're told they [Vaas and Murali] were rested."

Australia 214-3 (Symonds 58 Ponting 53) Overs: 39 Target: 227

Ponting pushes through the line of the ball and lofts over mid-off to the rope. "I've felt I've played well, I just haven't turned 70s and 80s into 100s," continued Bell, who has only once scored more than fifty in this World Cup. "If I want to become one of the best players in the world, I need to do that." Australia need 13 to win.

Australia 200-3 (Symonds 46 Ponting 51) Overs: 37 Target: 227

Symonds punches Maharoof towards long-on to run an easy one. Ponting then drives through the cover from the final delivery of the over to reach his half-century and edge Australia to 200. Bell, incidentally, did speak positively about his elevation in the England batting order. "If you can see off the first few overs, the opportunity is there to set the tone for the innings," he said before turning to the subject of his form. 

Australia 191-3 (Symonds 47 Ponting 42) Overs: 36 Target: 227

"Not many young batsmen have made an impact in this World Cup. Michael Clarke is possibly the closest to doing it," reckons Ian Bishop.
"Michael Clarke has played over 100 one-day internationals," counters Holding.
Ponting misses the final delivery from Dilshan, prompting a stumping attempt, but the Aussie captain is well inside his crease. Australia need 35 to win.

Australia 187-3 (Symonds 44 Ponting 41) Overs: 34 Target: 227

Symonds steps down the crease in anticipation of a quick single. Ponting punches the ball back to the bowler Dilshan, who needs only to collect for an easy run-out. Instead, Symonds stands his ground and blocks Dilshan's path, the bowler practically bouncing off his admittedly rather strong-looking thigh. "Only one winner there," notes you-know-who.

Australia 182-3 (Symonds 42 Ponting 38) Overs: 33 Target: 227

Symonds strikes two sweet boundaries past deep midwicket, bringing him to 38 from 38 deliveries and heating Holding under the collar. "Well, well," sighs the Sky pundit. Australia need 42 to win from 102 balls. Drinks.

Australia 174-3 (Symonds 42 Ponting 29) Overs: 32 Target: 227

Wallop. Symonds eases on to his back foot and thumps a turning ball from Jayasuriya to the cover boundary. A fielder positioned in close proximity does not event attempt to intervene, such is the pace on the ball. "I would like to know how much time he spends in the gym," reveals Michael Holding of Australian's dreadlocked muscleman. "And how much he bench presses." Bet he would.

Australia 166-3 (Symonds 40 Ponting 18) Overs: 30 Target: 227

Six! Presumably tired of the dip in the Australian chase, Symonds finally opens his shoulders and calmly lofts a maximum over long-on, panicking Jayasuriya into adjusting his field - he places a man at long-on. For the many ABA fans, another Australian march to victory will not present comfortable viewing. Fortunately, a quick finish never disappoints an OBO commentator, fortunate as we are for days spent in front of the telly.