Australia v New Zealand

At Pune, November 3, 2003. Australia won by two wickets. Australia 5 pts, New Zealand 1 pt. Toss: Australia.

Australia scrambled to the target of 259 with a ball to spare, thanks to a whirlwind 70 from Clarke, another chess-like half-century from Bevan, and some appalling catching. If Vincent had not dropped a regulation chance at extra cover when Symonds was one, it might not have even been close: Symonds eventually led his team home with an unbeaten 37 off 39 balls: even the winning shot should have been caught by Styris. New Zealand lost their first four wickets to Williams within eight overs, and a repeat of the Faridabad fiasco looked distinctly likely. This time, however, help was at hand, through consolidation from Fleming and then courtesy of a superb rearguard from Oram and McCullum. Oram hit the Aussie attack to all corners and McCullum backed up his plea for promotion up the order with an inventive maiden half-century.

Man of the Match: B. A. Williams.