Pakistan v Sri Lanka

At Sharjah, November 4 (day/night). Pakistan won by five wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka.

For the fourth time, Jayasuriya won the toss, and strode out with fellow-gambler Gunawardene. However, their potentially enthralling contest with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis barely materialised as Waqar removed Gunawardene for two. Wasim surprised Atapattu with a rapid delivery, and Sri Lanka were listing at 55 for two after 15 overs, forcing Jayasuriya into the un-characteristic role of anchor. He eventually reverted to type, cutting loosely at Shahid Afridi to be caught behind for a 58-ball 34. Sri Lanka now depended heavily on the in-form Jayawardene and Arnold to raise a defensible target. Despite good starts, neither could revitalise a sluggish innings, and the last five wickets fell in six overs, setting Pakistan a modest 174. Afridi briefly fizzed, hitting Muralitharan's first ball for six, but skying his fourth to mid-wicket; Murali spun the ball hard and gained extravagant turn. Still, Pakistan, with the experienced hand of Inzamam-ul-Haq at the tiller, cruised home in the 44th over, denying Sri Lanka a third successive Sharjah trophy.

Man of the Match: Waqar Younis.
Man of the Series: D. P. M. D. Jayawardene.