Australia have beaten the rain to cruise to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their must-win under-19 cricket World Cup group match in New Zealand.
After quick Xavier Bartlett (3-20) ran through Zimbabwe's top order to have them all out for 134, Australia chased the runs down in 18.2 overs to move up to second in Group B.
However, it didn't come without a scare.
After opener Jack Edwards hammered 40 off 20 balls -- with 34 of his runs coming in boundaries -- rain fell heavily during the lunch break and the pitch was covered for about an hour.
A washout would have left the Aussies' finals hopes in the balance after their first-start loss to India, and relying on other results to ensure they reached the playoffs.
However, when play resumed Queenslander Max Bryant (44 from 27) and Jason Sangha (30 off 47) ensured the victory.
The victory leave Australia's destiny in their own hands when they meet the winless Papua New Guinea in Canterbury on Friday, with Zimbabwe to face India.
GROUP B LADDER
INDIA -- 4pts, NRR: 3.9
AUSTRALIA -- 2pts, NRR: 0.7
ZIMBABWE -- 2pts, NRR: -2.4
PAPUA NEW GUINEA -- 0pts, NRR: -5.2
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