VB Series, 2005-06

At Sydney, February 5, 2006 (day/night). Australia won by 57 runs. Australia 4 pts. Toss: Australia.

Australia cracked 344, at the time their highest total against South Africa, who responded with their own best score of the series, yet still fell well short. Pollock was rested to ensure he was fit for the final group game against Sri Lanka, and Gilchrist took advantage with a ravenous assault on the stand-ins. He later admitted that when he skied a pull shot in the 18th over he had been harbouring thoughts of a double-century. Smith was Lee's hapless victim for the third time in succession, and the South Africans settled for prevention of the bonus point.

Man of the Match: A. C. Gilchrist. Attendance: 35,136.