VB Series, (A/ P/ WI) 2004-05

At Melbourne, February 4, 2005 (day/night). Australia won by 18 runs. Toss: Australia.

Australia might have lost but for a burst of rapid fire from Lee. Hayden's omission seemed to cloud the thinking of his team-mates at the batting crease, and their own innings was indifferent, before Symonds, with little form behind him, showed good sense, adding 137 with Martyn. Once they were parted, the lower order showed even less composure than the top, and Lehmann's firstball dismissal to a reverse sweep was quite bizarre. A target of 238 looked more intimidating when Pakistan were four down by their 12th over. Lee had too much swing for Salman Butt and too much speed for Yousuf Youhana, while McGrath's first two wickets gave him 300 in his 200th one-day international. Inzamam-ul-Haq tried to fashion a recovery, but Lee coerced him into a fatal hook and Pakistan subsided.

Man of the Match: A. Symonds. Attendance: 27,502.