Australia humiliate Ireland

Ricky Ponting's Australia ruthlessly dispatched World Cup minnows Ireland to go clear at the top of the Super Eight standings.

The reigning champions, gunning for an unprecedented third straight title, pulled two points clear of their rivals with a nine-wicket victory which also inflated their net run rate considerably.

Ponting's decision to field was rewarded emphatically as Ireland were dismantled for just 91 thanks to three-wicket hauls from Glenn McGrath and young firebrand Shaun Tait before Adam Gilchrist's quickfire 34 helped Australia cruise to an impressive win.

McGrath, the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history, removed Jeremy Bray (1), Eoin Morgan (0) and Andrew White (6), and Tait dismissed William Porterfield (1), Niall O'Brien (0) and Kevin O'Brien (16) - while John Mooney top scored with 23 for Ireland.

Michael Hussey (30 not out) and Gilchrist quickly set about building a decent partnership before the latter was bowled by Trent Johnston but, by that stage, the game was all but over as Ponting's side looked in formidable form in Bridgetown.