Commonwealth Bank Series, 2011-12

Were it not for the telltale cavernous surrounds of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, television viewers could have been forgiven for thinking this was a Sri Lankan home match, such was the vociferous support from the local expat population. Had Australia won, Sri Lanka would have been eliminated and India would have progressed to the finals instead. This looked likely when Jayawardene and Dilshan perished in the first five overs, but Sangakkara and Chandimal fought back, only for the last seven wickets to tumble for 52. In the process, Christian - on the way to his best figures in the format - became the fourth Australian to take a one-day international hat-trick, although he later joked he owed umpire Rod Tucker a beer for his doubtful leg-before decision against Kulasekara: it would probably have missed leg stump, but India's presence in the tournament meant there was no Decision Review System. Watson could not rely on his usual timing and power, but it took a brilliant Malinga yorker to end his stubborn 83-ball innings. David Hussey, with his fifth fifty of the series, kept his composure while tailenders fell around him; but in the final over he holed out looking for the ten runs needed.

Man of the Match: L. D. Chandimal.
Attendance: 28,091.