Australia v Sri Lanka
15-Apr-2004
At Melbourne, January 21, 2003 (day/night). Australia won by nine wickets. Australia 6 pts. Toss: Sri Lanka.
Half an Australian first eleven was again more than good enough for a comfortable win. Sri
Lanka's decision to select only three specialist bowlers for this dead match depended for success
on the efforts of their batsmen. Atapattu and Gunawardene put on 64 inside 15 overs, but a midinnings collapse - partly to Hogg's quirky left-arm wrist-spin - negated the brisk start. Ponting
then played with the ease of a man enjoying the form of his life. He cruised to 106 in 97 balls,
with 11 fours and a six, and shared an unbroken stand of 178 with Hayden to guide Australia to
an easy victory.
Man of the Match: R. T. Ponting.