Amazing run rate for West Indies

Australia and the West Indies warmed up for their make-or-break World Cup clash by going on a dash for runs against the minnows of Bangladesh and Scotland yesterday.

Both sides, desperate to improve their net run rates before Sunday's key game at Old Trafford, won in a sprint.

The West Indies dismissed Scotland for 68 in 31.3 overs, then raced past that total in 10.1 overs, sealing their eight-wicket win 20 minutes before lunch.

Australia saw Bangladesh score 178 for seven before Steve Waugh's pinch-hitters slogged their way to victory in 19.5 overs.

Unbeaten Pakistan are certain to head group B leaving the West Indies, Australia and New Zealand to fight it out for the two remaining places.

Australia must beat the West Indies on Sunday to move level with them on three wins. That will give have a chance of qualifying on net run rate - a team's scoring rate per over minus their opponents' rate.

New Zealand, however, who face Scotland in their last game, are also likely to be in the frame on six points.

Australia's batsmen knew they had to reach Bangladesh's total in 16 overs to overtake the West Indies net run rate for the tournament. They just missed their target, however, but their rapid victory at least closed the net scoring gap on the West Indians.

They will have to win Sunday's clash, however, by a wide margin to be sure of qualifying.

The West Indian heroes were veteran pace bowlers Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. Ambrose, aged 35, took two for eight off 10 overs, the tightest spell in the World Cup to date, while Walsh, 36, had three for seven off seven. Wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs caught the first four batsmen.

Scotland, at 29 for seven, looked set to make the lowest score ever recorded in a one-day international. But all-rounder Gavin Hamilton, who ended on 24 not out, and bowler John Blain - the only two professionals in the team - helped them get past 43, the score made by Pakistan against the West Indies in Cape Town in 1992-93.