February 18, 2003	Tuesday	Zul Hijjah 16, 1423

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JOHANNESBURG, Feb 17: Although it is too early in the World Cup, one team that has emerged unscathed and actually enhanced its reputation from the nine-day skirmishes are holders Australia.

Having seen off both subcontinent giants India and Pakistan with awesome professional performances it seems that the likes of the West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka are also going too find it mighty difficult to dislodge the all-conquering Ricky Ponting’s men from retaining the title.

Pakistan having the Aussies on the ropes at 146 for five let slip the advantage to be routed in the end. Similarly, a lot was expected of India’s much-touted batting but their batsmen’s weakness against sheer pace was exposed to the core as Australia romped home by nine wickets.

With a place in the Super Six almost assured the Australians are certain to top Group ‘A’ while the dogfight for the two remaining slots will be now between the unfancied Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England and India.

Zimbabwe, the co-hosts, have got four bonus points after England decided not to play in Harare due to security reasons. If the Australians follow suit and forfeit four points — something which they can afford to do — then Heath Streak’s men will be assured of one berth leaving India, Pakistan and England to slug it out for the remaining one.

Of course, there is always hope — especially in one-dayers — until the final ball is bowled and any one of the title contenders could catch the Aussies on an off-day or some individual produces an outstanding performance against them to upset the applecart.

Hosts South Africans, the team tipped by the pundits as the best equipped to topple the high-flying Aussies, are on the edge of being thrown out of the competition even before the Super Six stage after sustaining two shock defeats against the West Indies and New Zealand.

South Africa now must win all their remaining fixtures to progress through to the next phase of the World Cup. Undoubtedly, a tall order for Shaun Pollock’s beleaguered team.

The battle for survival in Group ‘B’ is also getting tighter. On current form, New Zealand and Sri Lanka appear to have advantage over the West Indies and South Africa despite the fact the Kiwis are going to lose four points by refusing to play in Nairobi against Kenya.

A youthful West Indies began well by stunning South Africa in the opening match of the competition but fell by the wayside against New Zealand, who lost to Sri Lanka in their opening encounter, but bounced back to rattle South Africa in a convincing style.

As the Test-playing nations battle it out for next stage of the competition the tournament so far has not brought any joy for the three ICC Trophy qualifiers Namibia, Canada, Holland as well as Bangladesh and Kenya.

The minnows have found the going tough and so far have not even come close to giving the big boys a real fright. And if their current performance is any yardstick then it will take decades not years to come to the standard of Test-playing nations.