Hayden in a hurry

Matthew Hayden plundered the World Cup's fastest hundred to put Australia on course for a huge total against Group A rivals South Africa.

The opener made the most of perfect batting conditions - and Warner Park's small boundaries - to carry his team to 174 for two from 25 overs after they had been put in.

Hayden (101), whose century took just 66 balls and contained 14 fours and four sixes, set the pace in a first-wicket stand of 106 in less than 15 overs with Adam Gilchrist.

The first breakthrough was sorely and urgently needed by South Africa - and it came in unlikely fashion, Gilchrist guiding a cut shot into the hands of Herschelle Gibbs at point off Charl Langeveldt.

Ricky Ponting needed seven balls to get off the mark before announcing - with a six over long-on off Andrew Hall - that he was ready to join in with Hayden.

Just as he had done so, though, Hayden departed the scene - to an even tamer aerial cut than Gilchrist's from Jacques Kallis' slow long-hop.