Unbeaten in the World Cup for 12 years, a period encompassing 34 matches, Australia's unbeaten streak ended at the hands of Pakistan despite the heroics of Brett Lee, a man who knows more than most about the rise and fall of Australia in the period. After Australia's batting woes were exposed on a difficult pitch, resulting in a not even modest 176, it was always likely that Australia needed Pakistan's help to get out of this scrape. Lee gav them a chance, taking the first four wickets to fall, but sensible batting from Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal saw Pakistan home, even as Shahid Afridi lost his head.
Aiustralia finished third, instead of top, in Group A, likely pitting them against India in the quarter finals. Although Australia can play a lot better than they did against Pakistan, too many out of form players make it a tough ask. The Australians will be cheering on the West Indians in their last group match against India, as an Indian loss would see West Indies move up to second, and India fall to third to face Sri Lanka. However, it's hard to see India blowing this one, which would leave the quarter finals as follows:
Pakistan v West Indies
Sri Lanka v England
Australia v India
New Zealand v South Africa
It's not hard to imagine South Africa being the outlier in the semis, facing Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka in their quest for the trophy. A lot will rest on Dale Steyn's shoulders if they are to triumph so far from home. So much pressure will be on India. I'm starting to wish I'd had some early money on Sri Lanka.
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