ST PETER’S, March 28: Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said the world champions are approaching their best form after demolishing the West Indies by 103 runs in their opening World Cup Super Eights match on Wednesday (see match report on Page 23).

Australia bowled out the hosts for 219 in the 46th over after the two-time defending champions had piled up 322 in their innings on Tuesday before rain caused the game to be held over.

Opener Matthew Hayden scored 158 to register his second successive century after his World Cup record 66-ball ton against South African on Saturday.

“We are playing pretty close to our optimum,” said Ponting whose team have now scored 300 or over in all of their four innings at the World Cup.

“Matthew Hayden was the catalyst but the other batters did well and our new ball bowling today was very good.”

West Indies skipper Brian Lara top-scored with 77 as the hosts replied with Denesh Ramdin hitting 52. But they were always struggling to keep up with the asking rate after slipping to 107-5 at one stage.

“Australia showed why they are the best side in the world,” admitted Lara.—AFP