Australia v Pakistan 1999-2000

At Melbourne, January 23 (day/night). Australia won by 15 runs. Toss: Australia.

Australia reached the finals with another convincing display, but Pakistan contributed just as much to a thrilling game. Once again they set off at a cracking pace and were 88 for one when Shahid Afridi was run out in a mix-up with Ijaz Ahmed over Symonds's reactions at point. That start meant Pakistan were ahead on the Duckworth/Lewis method when rain stopped play in the 40th over, but only 20 minutes were lost and the Australians, Shane Lee to the fore, came back to snatch the last six wickets for 48. Australia's innings had again revolved around Bevan, while Ponting made amends for three successive ducks with a quick 53 and Symonds scored 35 from 36 balls. Two wickets from Shoaib Akhtar might have then curtailed Australia, but they always had sufficient in reserve. Moin Khan made five dismissals for the second time in limited-overs internationals.

Man of the Match: M. G. Bevan. Attendance: 56,815.