At Colonial Stadium, Melbourne, August 18 (day/night). Tied. Toss: South Africa.

The tie emulated the famous 1999 World Cup semi-final result that inspired this home-and-away series. Yet South Africa were not in contention until the final three overs. Batting first this time, they limped to 95 for four before half-centuries from Rhodes and Boucher allowed them to reach a sub-par 226. Australia set off at a sparkling rate but Boje, who missed the first game with a hand injury, put a brake on the runs. As South Africa found a way into the game, the Australians missed Bevan's limited-overs nous in the middle order: he had broken a knuckle on his right hand, trying to catch Boucher, and came in at No. 8. When Hall, an unexpected hero, bowled the 47th and 49th overs for three runs and two wickets, Australia required 13 from the last over. Pollock's first three balls conceded nine, but then he ran out Gillespie, playing his first game for Australia since breaking his leg in Sri Lanka. Warne needed two off the last ball but could only cannon a yorker to mid-on via the non-striker's stumps for a single.

Man of the Match: A. J. Hall. Attendance: 35,724.