New Zealand v South Africa

At Sydney, February 8 (day/night). South Africa won by six wickets (D/L method). Toss: New Zealand.

South Africa's second comprehensive victory meant they won the VB finals without recourse to a decider. It was their 14th win in 15 completed one-day games against New Zealand, but it was a dull match. Again, their bowling stifled the opposition. It took Vincent and Astle five overs to score their first runs, though once Vincent got going he was brutal enough on Ntini to end up with 43 in 42 balls. After he was third out at 68, New Zealand needed consolidation; instead, Fleming and McMillan both fell in the next two overs playing across the line. As late-order wickets tumbled, only a composed 57 from Cairns prevented humiliation. A brief but spectacular thunderstorm meant South Africa's target was revised to 172 in 46 overs. A fluent performance from Gibbs ensured they were always on course for an easy win, which arrived with nearly eight overs to spare. Rhodes played a busy innings to finish as the tournament's leading run-scorer, with 345.

Man of the Match: J. N. Rhodes.
Man of the Series: S. E. Bond