It's incredible to observe followers of the game working out the permutations and combinations, and debating the ifs and buts in an attempt to arrive at a conclusion as to where India stands should they beat the Kiwis.

Zimbabwe's performance in this World Cup has been spectacular. There are some who believe they were lucky to beat India and South Africa. India still cannot get over the fact that Olonga got those three wickets in the last over, particularly when he was all over the place during his initial spell.Zimbabwe have worked hard and deserve their success, and few would hold it against them if they are sitting pretty with five points. They probably have the best fielding side in the world and that has helped them save around 40 runs permatch.

In comparison to Zimbabwe, Australia have struggled in this competition. Which is quite surprising, for, they have such a strong all-round team, but till they played India, their performance belied their potential.

Mark Waugh is among the best batsmen in the world. But his team does not depend on him to perform in every game. That speaks highly of their depth in batting. All the same, it is greatly beneficial for the team if their best batsman gives them a rousing start as it puts them in the driver's seat straightaway. The win against India has certainly given them tremendous impetus and after their lethargic start, they can now look forward to be among contenders.

On Wednesday, Mark Waugh showed his class as he put the Zimbabwe attack to sword and took the initiative away from them. His presence in the middle sure is a morale booster for his colleagues. Against Paul Strang, he came up with a shot that was out of the top drawer. He made room to drive the bowler through the covers, but sensingthat he might be beaten in flight, changed his mind in a jiffy and slammed the delivery through mid-wicket for four. That was top class stuff.

The Zimbabwe attack was clobbered by the strong Aussie batting line-up which put up a huge total. Strang bowled reasonably well, but I feel a spinner's job is to get wickets and not to merely contain the batsmen.

Aussies won the match though they were made to sweat by the spirited Zimbabwean batsmen. More importantly, the Australian run-rate will be difficult to match for a team like India, if and when entry to the semifinals boils down to this crucial factor.