Australia beat New Zealand

Half-centuries from Shane Watson and Brad Haddin powered reigning champipons Australia to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in their World Cup Group-A encounter in Nagpur, India today.



Openers Watson ,61 and Haddin, 55 put on 131 from just 109 balls as Australia set 207 for victory reached the target in the 34th over for the loss of three wickets.



Hamish Bennett took two of the three wickets to fall.



Earlier, New Zealand sent to bat were bowled out for 206 in 45.1 overs against the bowling of Mitchell Johnson, four for 33 and Shaun Tait, three for 35.



Only Nathan McCullum 52 and Daniel Vettori 44 offer strong resistance to the Aussies’ bowlers.



Both teams observed a minute's silence before the start of play in memory of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.



It was Australia’s second victory from two games following a crushing victory over Zimbabwe on Monday.



New Zealand will now aim to get their campaign back on track against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad, India on Friday March 4.



Over in Mirpur, Bangladesh, co-hosts Bangladesh held their nerve to win their first game of the World Cup as they edged past Ireland by 27 runs.



The Tigers, soundly beaten by India in their opening game, were bowled out for 205 in the 50th over of their innings, Tamim Iqbal top-scoring with 44.



Andre Botha, 3 for 32 was the pick of the Irish bowlers.



Niall O'Brien 38 and Kevin O'Brien 37 got Ireland close in the run chase, but they were bowled out for 178 with five overs remaining, as Shafiul Islam took 4 for 21.