AUSTRALIA v ZIMBABWE

At Perth, December 2 (day/night). Australia won by two wickets. Toss: Australia. International debut: S. G. Law.

Australia made hard work of the modest target of 167 set by Zimbabwe, making their first appearance in the World Series. Taylor and Slater opened at better than four an over; but, after both fell at 69, it required a pugnacious 40 from Healy, in company with Bevan, to ease Australia's nerves. Even then, three late wickets from occasional left-arm spinner Grant Flower forced Waugh, who had strained a groin muscle bowling, to come in with a runner to secure victory. Zimbabwe's batsmen had earlier failed to come to terms with the extra pace and bounce of the WACA pitch and some keen Australian out-cricket; debutant Stuart Law's medium-pace and Warne's leg-spin proved especially effective.

Man of the Match: S. K. Warne. Attendance: 8,630.