At Auckland, February 19. Australia won by 27 runs. Toss: Australia. Though off-spinner Thomson removed Blewett in the second over, a brisk stand of 147 between Taylor and Mark Waugh gave Australia the ascendancy and earned them a place in the final. Taylor's 97 was his highest innings in 72 one-day internationals.

New Zealand fought back through Greatbatch, who hit two sixes, and the stylish Fleming, and were ahead on run-rate until the 40th over. But Fleming's dismissal put the brakes on and the loss of Greatbatch and Cairns ended their hopes. The match was marred first by spectators throwing rubbish at Warne in the outfield and then by Rutherford's remark that New Zealand Cricket had announced the injured Crowe's chances of playing as 50-50 only to boost the attendance. This caused widespread public anger.

Man of the Match: M. A. Taylor.

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