Match report: Watson stars again as Aussie's thrash India

Source: cricinfo.com

• Australia 141/1 (Watson 72, Warner 63*) defeated India 140/7 (Pathan 31, Watson 3/34)

Summary:

A third consecutive man of the match performance from all-rounder Shane Watson has given Australia the perfect start to the Super Eight stage. Watson formed a threatening pace duo with Patrick Cummins (2/16 and a run-out) to restrict India to 140 on a batting-friendly wicket. He then combined with Dave Warner to thoroughly demoralise India with a 133-run opening partnership, their second century stand of the tournament. Australia reached India's total of 140 with more than six overs to spare.

The man:

Shane Watson has been putting up some silly statistics so far this tournament. He recorded 51, 41 not out and 72 for an average of 82 with the bat. He has also been Australia's chief destroyer with the ball, with eight wickets at an average of just over 11. Scary stuff.

Who's hot:

Australia: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Shane Watson. The only danger could be that he is playing his teammates out of form by not giving them a hit. Another good performance will probably land him the player of the tournament award.

India: No-one really, as far as lukewarm performances go this one was right up there. No-one made an impact either with the bat or ball. The crowd may have got a bit warm under the barrage of sixes provided by Watson and Warner.

What it means:

Australia: Led by their openers, Australia is firing on all cylinders at the moment. The huge net run-rate boost they get from this result means they could potentially go through without winning another match.

India: Now must win their remaining two matches to progress, as this loss will put a huge dent in their net run-rate. India needs to find a spark.

The Votes:

MVP: 3- S Watson, 2- D Warner (rare that he gets out-hit by anyone), 1- P Cummins (best game of the tournament)

Tucker Trophy: 1- I Pathan (made 31 but got clobbered with the ball), 2- P Chawla (sole contribution going for 14 runs), 3- R Sharma (out second ball and went for 12 off one over)