Australia v Sri Lanka

At Perth, January 31. Australia won by 45 runs. Toss: Sri Lanka.

Ponting, ending a three-match suspension after his nightclub scuffle, landed his own blows to knock a fading Sri Lanka out of the tournament. Intent on winning forgiveness, he shone everywhere, scoring 39, dismissing Ranatunga and running out Atapattu. Still, Australia were an unspectacular 138 for four until Bevan took charge and led them to 274.

Sri Lanka were 72 for one in the 13th over, thanks to a 49-ball 50 by Jayasuriya, when they sustained a numbing wound: Jayasuriya had his right forearm broken by Julian. After that, his team-mates were again overwhelmed by Perth's bounce. Muralitharan bowled ten overs without complaint from the umpires for the third game running, though there were cries of no-ball from the crowd in his opening over.

Man of the Match: R. T. Ponting. Attendance: 22,004.