NEW DELHI, Feb 25: Australia extended its World Cup winning run to 25 matches on Friday after ruthlessly exposing New Zealand’s weaknesses, while Bangladesh celebrated the co-host’s first victory at the tournament as it saw off Ireland.

Australia and New Zealand players wore black armbands in Nagpur out of respect for victims of the Christchurch earthquake. But defending champion Australia was as single-minded as ever on the field, sealing a victory that sent it clear at the top of Group A ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

In Mirpur, Bangladesh got back on track after its opening defeat by India, delighting a noisy Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium with a 27-run win in Group B over the Irish.

Ireland was the final team to enter the 2011 tournament.—AP