Australia, South Africa advance to Super Eights

Australia and South Africa took the last two Super Eights spots of the World 20/20 Championship after recording victories at Kensington Oval in Barbados yesterday.



Mike Hussey hit an unbeaten 47 and Dirk Nannes claimed 4 for 18 to lead Australia to a 27-run win over Bangladesh in the opening match.



Australia struggled early with the bat before Hussey and allrounder Steve Smith, who made 27 off 18 deliveries, lift their team from trouble at 65 for 6 to a competitive total of 141 for 7.



The pace of Nannes and fellow opening bowler Shaun Tait was too much as Bangladesh were bowled out for 114 in the 19th over.



Paceman Morne Morkel claimed three wickets in his first over and returned 4 for 20 as South Africa beat Afghanistan by 59 runs to advance.



After posting a total of 139 for seven from their 20 overs, South Africa bowled out their opponents for 80 in 16 overs.



South Africa have now joined Pakistan, New Zealand and England in one group, while West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia and India will compete in the other group.



The Super Eights round begins today at Kensington Oval in Barbados with Pakistan facing England; and New Zealand playing South Africa.



West Indies will open their Super Eights campaign tomorrow against Sri Lanka.