VB Series, (A/ P/ WI) 2004-05

At Sydney, February 6, 2005 (day/night). Australia won by 31 runs. Toss: Australia.

As in the last SCG final between these sides, in February 2000, McGrath snatched five wickets to deliver the trophy. In the very first over, Gilchrist had cracked three fours and survived an lbw appeal for reasons known only to umpire Koertzen, but he batted long enough to kick Australia to 55 in nine overs. Pakistan bowled studiously to keep the rest in check; indeed, when Katich was run out by the length of the pitch, there was a hint of panic. The later batsmen, however, pushed the score to a passable 239. Pakistan's line-up needed to apply itself, but Yousuf Youhana wasted a smooth fifty by trying to slog Hogg, before McGrath snuffed out the tail. It was not the happiest occasion - Lee, the player of the tournament, finished it trading beamers with Abdul Razzaq, and another frazzled innings from Lehmann appeared to mark the end of his international career. Meanwhile, Pakistan asked the ICC to appoint two neutral umpires in future one-day internationals.

Man of the Match: G. D. McGrath. Attendance: 38,279.

Man of the Series: B. Lee.