Defending champions India were aiming to advance to the knock-out phase with their 100 per cent record intact, just as New Zealand had done yesterday (March 13), but were made to work hard for their victory against Zimbabwe.

In his final international appearance, Brendan Taylor signed off in style, top scoring for Zimbabwe with 138, to help his country post a target of 288 for India to chase.

India's response got off to a stuttering start after being reduced to 21-2, then 92-4, but Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni shared a partnership of 196 to see them over the line.

Raina was dropped on 47 and made the Zimbabwean team pay, as he reached his century, finishing the innings 110 not out, while Dhoni was also unbeaten on 85.

India were already assured of their place at the top of Pool B but the victory ensured they have recorded their tenth consecutive World Cup win, with their last defeat in the tournament coming against South Africa in the 2011 pool phase.

They will play begin as red-hot favourites when they Bangladesh in the quarter-finals, while Zimbabwe bowed out of the tournament after one win from their six matches.

Mitchell Starc claimed four wickets as Australia convincingly beat Scotland ©Getty Images



World Cup co-hosts Australia swept aside minnows Scotland in the final Pool A match in Hobart, to secure the runners up spot behind fellow co-hosts New Zealand.

Batting first, Scotland were unable to fend off the Australian bowlers, as Mitchell Starc took four wickets for just 14 runs, to help bowl winless Scotland out for 130.

Australia's batsmen made light work of the target, reaching 133 in the 16th over of their innings, with captain Michael Clarke top scoring on 47.

They will now eagerly await the outcome of tomorrow's Pool B match between Pakistan and Ireland, with the victor in that match set to be their quarter-final opponents.

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