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When you are a world champion you have to prove it in every match you play and Australia has no qualms about it, but when you are playing against the world champions you have to fight as there is no tomorrow. But Sri Lankan didn’t think so and duly paid the price. In the absence of star bowlers Vaas and Muralitharan, and the usual spark Sri Lanka didn’t do much to bother Aussies in the 43rd match of super eight round of world cup 2007.

Though the Sri Lanka was apprehensive about its under-strength bowling, it was its batting which cajoled. Nathan Bracken’s 4 match-snatching wickets just for 19 runs tell the story of Lankan’s dismal batting. Ricky Ponting’s lofted ultimate six which wrapped up the game for Aussies tells how confident the world champs feel right now. Sanath Jayasuriya’s prize wicket, which was the result of an in-dipper from Bracken, was soon followed by the wicket of Tharanga by the same bowler, in which Hayden’s strong claws pouched it.

McGrath carried on his authority by sending Sangakkarra on duck. Then came the familiar stunner, in which late middle order from Srilanka supported the falling pillars of their batting. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene and Chamara Silva erected an impressive 140-run stand for the fourth wicket. Buth then in just two Hogg’s overs, both Mahela and Chamara were ousted, paving the way for Srilanka’s demise. From Dilshan, Arnold and Farveez Maharoof, only Maharoof showed some intellect and scored 25 crucial runs, which also at the end of day proved worthless. Bandara’s two meaty boundaries at the end saw Srilanka at the meager score of 226.

Hayden, Hayden, Hayden, how many more times he would slaughter the opponents with his sharp chopper. If one thing is to be exemplified in Aussie team after their professionalism is their opening stand of Gilchrist and Hayden. This time again, they both initiated the innings with calculated aggression. Hayden’s 41 runs on just 30 balls with the staggering strike rate of almost 137, it was all doomsday for Lankans. His fury of an inning included 2 mega sixers and 5 fabulous 4’s. Gilchrist also brightened the day with his 4 sparkling beauties.

Russell Arnold can boast that he ousted the two star Australian openers, before they managed to get their half-centuries, but then afterwards there was nothing to boast about. Ricky Ponting, fourth time only in this tournament, made runs above 50 runs threshold. His brilliant 66 runs ensured the smooth and silky Australian victory. Dilhara Fernando, Maharoof and Nuwan Kulasekara, the Srilankan pace attack was hapless and helpless when Ponting and Andrew Symonds started to chiseled out the victory statue. In between, Clarke also chipped in with his 23 runs, before Bandara took his wicket away. Symonds fiery 66 runs which included some fantastic shots sealed the deal for Australia. The 7 wicket win for them came just in 43rd over, at the National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada.