Australia cruise into last four

Australia qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup after a crushing nine-wicket victory over Ireland in their Super Eights game yesterday.

Pace bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shaun Tait skittled Ireland out for 91 and the World Cup holders then knocked off the total inside 13 overs with the loss of just one wicket.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and put in the Irish. He was rewarded with impressive spells from his two opening bowlers who claimed three wickets apiece.

In reply, Adam Gilchrist scored 34 and Michael Hussey was unbeaten on 30 as Australia won an utterly one-sided game with over 37 overs remaining.

The win gives the Australians 10 points and they became the first team to ensure their last-four qualification.

There was a good turn-out at the Kensington Oval but the fans saw less than half of the allotted 100 overs and not the level of play that would be expected from a game at this late stage of the competition.