At Melbourne, January 21 (day/night). South Africa won by 28 runs. Toss: South Africa.

South Africa took the lead in the best-of-three finals. Peter Kirsten, returning only five days after his serious facial injury, shared an opening stand of 53 with his half-brother Gary, who went on to his maiden international century and the first of this tournament, cutting fiercely and driving well. Warne was subdued for once, perhaps unsettled when his first ball was called a wide after pitching in line with the stumps and turning extravagantly away from the batsman.

In reply, Hayden soon played on, while the wickets of Boon (run out by the ubiquitous Rhodes) and Jones – well caught one-handed by a leaping Cronje in the covers – set back Australia's chances. Two good catches in four balls by Peter Kirsten inside the 30-metre circle left Border a tough task and Snell, using the yorker to good effect, returned to complete his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals.

Attendance: 69,384.

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