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Waugh, Law steer Aussies to Victory

Half-centuries from Steve Waugh and Stuart Law steered Australia to an exciting three-wicket win with three balls to spare over India in a Singer World Series day match played at the SSC grounds yesterday.

Although it was 'Man of the Match' Waugh and Law who brought Australia to the brink of victory with a 113-run fourth wicket stand, it was left to crisis man Michael Bevan to clinch the match in Australia's favour.

Both batsmen departed within three runs of each other, leaving Bevan to score the remaining 17 runs with the help of the tailen- ders.

Australia required five runs off the last over bowled by leg- spinner Anil Kumble, Brad Hogg was bowled for two off the first delivery, but Paul Reiffel took a single off the next, to give Bevan the strike. The left-hander struck the third ball through mid-on for four to clinch a place for Australia in today's final against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Steve Waugh made 55 to go with his one wicket for 20 runs to take the match award. Law batted in enterprising fashion to make a stylish 67 off 70 balls with two sixes and three fours.

India dearly paid the penalty for dropping both batsmen. Waugh was missed by Kambli at 34 and Law at 25 by Tendulkar.

Umpire KT Francis had one of his decisions of not out for a run out of Australian captain Ian Healy was changed by the third umpire when the Indian fielders requested for a replay. Healy and Bevan, the nonstriker exchanged a few words with Francis before the Australian wicket- keeper departed.

India's total of 201 off 41 overs in the 45-over match always looked inadequate after being inserted in by Healy. Morning rain put back the start by 85 minutes.

Nayan Mongia promoted to open the Indian batting led from the start scoring a brisk 38 off 30 balls with eight fours, but wick- ets fell regularly at the other end. Although India had a healthy run rate, they were at one stage tottering on 89 for 6 in the 18th over. Left-handers Saurav Ganguly and Sunil Joshi put to- gether a century stand off 20 overs to see India past the 200-run mark. Ganguly made a top score of 59 off 75 balls (7 fours) and Joshi missed his maiden half-century by two runs, hitting five fours and facing 67 balls.

Pick of the Australian bowlers was Glenn McGrath who took 3 for 33 off nine overs.

Australian vice-captain Steve Waugh was severely reprimanded and imposed suspended fine of 30 percent of his match fees for a pe- riod of three months for showing dissent and for bringing the game to disrepute.

Waugh has reported by Sri Lanka umpire B. C. Cooray for violating the ICC code of conduct, Rules 2 and 3 during yesterday's Singer World Series match between Australia and India played at the SSC grounds.

After a full inquiry conducted by ICC match referee John Reid af- ter the match yesterday, Waugh was handed out the punishment.

Australia went on to beat India by three wickets and qualified to play Sri Lanka in the final today (September 7).

Waugh was declared the 'Man of the Match' in Friday's contest against India.