Cricket: Warne points Australia to last four

Australia became the first side to reach the semi-finals of the Australasia Cup when they thrashed New Zealand by seven wickets. After the leg-spinner Shane Warne and the medium pacer Damien Fleming had each taken four wickets to resrict the New Zealanders to a modest 207 for nine. David Boon and Matthew Hayden built the platform for Australia's victory with a second-wicket stand of 123. Boon hit 10 fours and a six before holing out for 68, one more than Hayden. Michael Bevan and Justin Langer then saw Australia home. New Zealand had made a good start, but Warne, after conceding 11 runs in his first two overs, took two wickets in four balls in his third.