Hodge top scores in Aussie romp

Brad Hodge's maiden one-day international hundred helped Australia to a 229-run victory over Holland in Sunday's World Cup Group A match at Warner Park.

Hodge (123) and Michael Clarke (93 not out) shared a fourth-wicket stand of 204 in 28 overs as Australia racked up a near record 358 for five - a total which predictably proved far too much for their opponents.

The Dutch reply began encouragingly only to falter, with the first three wickets going down for the addition of just two runs - leaving the minnows once again resigned to little more than damage limitation.

Holland were unable to get competitive with the bat as the pace of Nathan Bracken, Shaun Tait and Glenn McGrath and know-how of Brad Hogg (four wickets for 27 runs) unpicked them.

Van Bunge made a name for himself in thankless circumstances as the first international bowler to be hit for six sixes in an over - by South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs - on his last visit to this ground two days ago.

But he had a little more to smile about this time, as the top-scorer in a Dutch innings which lasted only 26 overs but at least mustered enough substance to avoid defeat by a record Cup margin.