West Indies v Australia. First One-Day international
Suggestions that Australia would be lacking motivation in the wake of their World Cup triumph were scotched within moments of their taking the field. Sent in to bat, they slipped into world champion mode without missing a stride and, thanks to Ponting and Lehmann, rattled on at more than five an over. The elevation of the big-hitting Powell to opener gave West Indies' assault on 271 an immediate kick-start and, at 114 for two in the 24th over, they were on course. An hour was then lost to rain, and the target reduced to 208 off 37 overs. West Indian hopes were doused immediately after the break when Lara and Devon Smith both fell to Harvey who, despite an undefeated 30-ball 48 and three for 37, was overlooked for the match award. Sarwan kept West Indies in the frame, but in the end the gap between the sides was wider than the margin implied. Australia extended their unbeaten run in one-day internationals to 18.
Man of the Match: R. T. Ponting.