Australia complete 229-run win over the Netherlands

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, March 18 (Reuters) World champions Australia completed a 229-run win over the Netherlands in their World Cup Group A match today.

Brad Hodge scored 123, his maiden one-day century, and Michael Clarke made 93 not out in Australia's 358 for five. The pair shared a World Cup record fourth-wicket partnership of 204.

The Netherlands made only 129 in their innings, with Glenn McGrath capturing two wickets to bring his World Cup tally to 50.

Only Pakistan's Wasim Akram with 55 has more World Cup victims.

Australia meet South Africa on Saturday in their last first round match of the tournament which concludes with the final in Barbados on April 28.

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