At Sharjah, April 19. India won by seven wickets. Toss: Australia.

India staged a minor upset by beating Australia, in their first match under the management of Sunil Gavaskar, who replaced Ajit Wadekar after his heart attack. They rose to the challenge of 245, thanks to Jadeja and Sidhu, who added 130 after Tendulkar went quickly. In the closing stages Kambli hit two fours and two sixes in one over from Warne.

Australia had started slowly, reaching 66 in 20 overs. But the pace really quickened when Langer joined Hayden. They put on 64 in six overs: Langer's share was 36 in 22 balls and he hit Kumble for three sixes. Mongia was fined $US750 by the tournament referee, A. M. Ebrahim of Zimbabwe, for excessive appealing.

Man of the Match: A. D. Jadeja.

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