VB Series, 2005-06

At Sydney, January 22, 2006 (day/night). Sri Lanka won by 51 runs. Sri Lanka 4 pts. Toss: Sri Lanka.

Back after recovering from a shoulder injury, Jayasuriya tore Australia's bowlers apart, just as he had at the SCG three years earlier. Some muddled home selections, including the omission of Jaques, the resting of McGrath and the use of Hogg as supersub - despite a turning pitch - also contributed to the result. Jayasuriya punished the inexperienced Hopes and Dorey, whose combined ten wicketless overs cost 100. Sangakkara and Jayawardene offered inventive support to help the total past 300. Without Gilchrist, Australia began unsurely and allowed the asking-rate to climb; then Symonds was needlessly run out and Bandara nabbed the last four wickets to outshine Muralitharan.

Man of the Match: S. T. Jayasuriya. Attendance: 35,307.