LONDON - Zimbabwe's balloon, almost burst at Headingley by New Zealand was finally popped at Lord's today by Australia yet their World Cup semi-final spot is almost secured while the lads from Down Under are still struggling to make the last four.

It is a tight enough Super Sixes scenario as despite an impeccable third limited-overs international century by Zimbabwe's steel-willed all-rounder Neil Johnson, whose batting has been a revelation this tournament the snap and bark of the underdog from Africa was worse than their bite. They lost their middle-order all too rapidly and the game by 44 runs on a rare sun-splashed day.

Johnson's undefeated 132 as uncompromisingly tough and as skilled in a final total of 259 for six as was equal to Mark Waugh's three-figure total in Australia's score of 303 for four. It was not a bad effort at all from Johnners: winning man of the match award (his second this World Cup) and becoming the first Zimbabwean to score a century at Lord's. The complained of aches and pains.

The Wizards of Oz, who misplaced their magic wand early in the tournament now need a victory over South Africa at Headingley in Leeds on Sunday if they are to reach the last four: not at all the sort of hill they would like to climb unless they know they can beat South Africa.

It is an uncomfortable feeling as the Super Sixes reaches the crucial stage over the next four days after Australia who had to win their three matches in this second phase to reach the last four, gained a fairly comprehensive victory at headquarters.

At least the Kiwis have a look in with their game against India at Trent Bridge on Saturday which is cold comfort for Steve Waugh's side.

Yet there was enough sparkle in the Zimbabwe batting to give them their moment of glory in defeat. Johnson had not bowled with the sort of command he has displayed in most games, deserves some special recognition for not giving it away.

He showed the sort of spirit Kepler Wessels would have been quite happy to acknowledge. It was, to an extent, the Wessels brand of hard-nosed attitude which saw him nurse the innings through to the sort of conclusion which showed that he is going to be a tough competitor in the Test series with South Africa later in the year.

There were some handsome shots, too: confident drives and a couple of sixes which did not go unnoticed, or misplaced on the scoresheet, where all the details count.

Not that the Australian bowling was all that tight. It was sloppy, bland and lacked punch. What Shane Warne was trying to prove begs a query or two. Two men in at short cover: an intimidatory tactic which allowed Johnson and his opening partner Grant Flower and later Murray Goodwin to establish early control. Even Paul Reiffel in his first spell was carved around.

But Warne, brought on at the Nursery End gave away 29 in his first three overs as Johnson helped himself with some quality strokeplay. The 114 runs Johnson and Goodwin, the two 'imports' put together for the second wicket sparked some thought of a Chelmsford upset. But it could not last. Not against a side as streetwise as Australia. Once Goodwin went it was a matter for someone to bat through and Johnson had the character to carry it off.