Ponting Hails Watson Brilliance

Captain Ricky Ponting heaped praise on Shane Watson after his second successive century saw Australia to victory in the Champions Trophy final. Watson, who smashed 136 not out against England, hit an unbeaten 105 in the six-wicket win over New Zealand. "The hundred he made against England was outstanding but this one tonight, in the situation he was in, doesn't get much tougher than that," said Ponting. "Especially when you are chasing small totals and lose early wickets." Watson's innings was all the more impressive after Australia were reduced to 6-2 inside 14 deliveries chasing a modest target of 201. He compiled an assured 128-run third-wicket partnership with Cameron White and brought up his fourth career one-day hundred with two successive sixes off spinner Jeetan Patel. "Losing two early wickets set us back a bit, but Cameron White and Shane Watson controlled things really well after that," said Ponting, who was named player of the tournament for his 288 runs at an average of 72. "We've won by almost five overs without using our powerplay, although we were a batsman down as Callum Ferguson (injured during New Zealand's innings in the field) was not going to be able to bat." Australia have lost just once in their previous 12 limited overs matches, winning all five of their Champions Trophy games with the same starting XI.