ST PETER’S (Antigua), April 9: Australia captain Ricky Ponting's 86 helped see the champions a step nearer the World Cup semi-finals as they thrashed England by seven wickets in the Super Eights match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Sunday (also partially reported in Monday’s edition).

Together with Michael Clarke, Ponting shared a third-wicket stand of 112 as Australia reached their target of 248 with 16 balls to spare.

Clarke was 55 not out off 63 balls and Andrew Symonds, who finished the match with a four off Sajid Mahmood, unbeaten on a run-a-ball 28.

Although England didn't require a victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive, this defeat left them needing to win all three of their remaining Super Eights matches against Bangladesh, South Africa and the West Indies while hoping other results go their way.

Victory meant Australia, chasing an unprecedented third straight title, had gone 24 unbeaten at the World Cup since a 10-run defeat against Pakistan at Headingley in 1999.

Kevin Pietersen's maiden World Cup hundred was the cornerstone of England's 247 all out.

Pietersen, whose 104 was England's first century this World Cup, put on 140 for the third wicket with Ian Bell (77) after his side slumped to 24 for two.

But Australia fought back by taking three wickets for 15 runs in six overs as England declined from 164 for two to 179 for five.

Openers Adam Gilchrist (27) and Matthew Hayden (41) saw Australia off to a brisk start before the former was caught by Paul Collingwood at square gully off Andrew Flintoff.

Hayden was clean bowled by medium-pacer Collingwood after playing down the wrong line.

Runs were then hard to come by and Ponting, on 21 had given up when opposing captain Michael Vaughan's throw from mid-wicket just missed the stumps with the batsman yards out.

Ponting appeared to be easing his way to a 24th One-day International hundred when he was run out, sent back by Clarke for 86, by Collingwood’s direct hit running round from point. He faced 106 balls with 11 fours.

Pietersen nearly caught Symonds on four, but the umpires correctly ruled he didn't have full control as he threw the ball back in over the boundary before crossing the rope.

England play Bangladesh, shock conquerors of South Africa on Saturday, in Bridgetown on Wednesday with Australia in action there two days later against Ireland.