ICC World Cup

Two matches were played towards the ICC World Cup underway at Australia and New Zealand earlier today. Co-hosts New Zealand, keeping up with their terrific form, registered their fifth successive victory in the tournament getting better of Afghanistan in the match played at Napier. The Black Caps chased the target of 187 runs in 37.4 overs losing only four wickets. Martin Guptin scored 57 runs while Brendon McCullum added 42. Prior to this, batting first, Afghanistan made a total of 186 runs losing all its wickets within 48 overs. Daniel Vittori picked four wickets while Trent Boult had three to his name for the winning side. With this victory, New Zealand have qualified to the quarter final with a match to play. Elsewhere, Australia got better of Sri Lanka by 64 runs and have thus reached the last eight as well. Chasing a massive target of 377 runs, Sri Lanka could only manage 312 runs. Kumara Sangakkara scored 104 runs while Tilakratne Dilshan added 62 for the losing side in the match that saw James Faulkner pick three wickets for the Aussies. Batting first, Australia made an impressive total of 376 runs with Glen Maxwell scoring a quick 102 runs from 53 balls. Likewise, Steven Smith scored 72, Michael Clarke added 68 and Shane Watson had 67 runs to his name. England and Bangladesh go head to head in the only match scheduled for tomorrow.