AUSTRALIA v SRI LANKA

At Sydney, January 20 (day/night). Australia won by eight runs, Sri Lanka's target having been revised to 168 from 25 overs. Toss: Sri Lanka.

Australia's series victory was tainted by angry exchanges both in the middle and at the presentation ceremony. With few exceptions, the Sri Lankans refused to shake Taylor's hand and Healy passed remarks to opposing coach Dav Whatmore for which he later apologised. Mark Waugh continued to revel in opening; his 135-run stand with Taylor laid the base for Australia's 273, the best total of this tournament. Bevan was productive again and Healy's 40 off 28 balls was invaluable. Rain during the break reduced Sri Lanka's target to 168 and their batting time by half, thus pushing their required run-rate closer to seven than six. McGrath completed his revenge on Kaluwitharana when he had him lbw cheaply for the second match running. Still, Sri Lanka looked capable of winning at 135 for six with five overs remaining. But Warne produced two wickets on cue, as he had done in Melbourne, dismissing Ranatunga and Dharmasena in successive overs.

Players of the Finals: M. A. Taylor and S. K. Warne. Attendance: 39,223.