Scotland reeling at 77 for 5 chasing 335

Basseterre, St Kitts, Mar 14 (UNI) Glenn McGrath scalped three for 14 as Scotland were staring at defeat with just 77 for five after 25 overs chasing an improbable 335 run target set by Australia a Pool A match here today.

The veteran Aussie vanguard, who will retire after the tournament, was at his vintage best as he bowled a tight leash leaving the Scots hapless as much as clueless.

Opener Majid Haq was first to go as he run out for 16 when the score was 21. Shaun Tait castled NS Poonia (1) with a scorcher while McGrath opened his account when he claimed DF Watts (9).

At 32 for three, there was no ending Scotland's woes as McGrath struck again five runs later when RR Watson (6) played the bowler straight to Nathan Bracken.

Hamilton edged McGrath to Gilchrist to make it five for 42 for Scotland.

Doughie Brown and C Smith were occupying the crease when the news last came in.

Earlier, Ricky Ponting continued from where he left four years back hitting his consecutive world cup century -- fourth in aggregate -- as World Champions Australia came down hard on minnows Scotland piling up 334 for six in the rain-interrupted tie.

Ponting smashed 113 in just 93 balls while Mathew Hayden scored 60 as the Aussie batsmen whacked the hapless World Cup debutantes all over the park.

Toss was the only thing the Scots appeared winning as they invited the defending champions to bat.

Not quite a flier but Adam Gilchrist and Hayden provided Australia a sound start and more importantly self-belief as the baggy greens were playing their first competitive ODI after a five-match losing streak.

UNI