Australia v Zimbabwe 1997-1998

At Delhi, April 11. Australia won by 16 runs. Toss: Zimbabwe.

By beating Zimbabwe in the last qualifying match, Australia ensured their place in the final and gained much-needed confidence. Mark Waugh and Ponting put on 219 for the second wicket to wrest the initiative from the bowlers; Guy Whittall was hit for 52 from his five overs. Ponting's aggressive innings- more than half his runs came in boundaries - equalled the highest one-day international score by an Australian: Dean Jones also made 145, against England at Brisbane in 1990-91. For the umpteenth time, Zimbabwe failed to capitalise on a steady start: the Flower brothers took them to 219 for two in the 41st over but the rest faded.

Man of the Match: R. T. Ponting.