At Sharjah, April 14. India won by eight wickets. Toss: India.

Azharuddin was back to his best with a wristy 90 from 87 balls. He and Sidhu, whose third half-century in four innings took him to 197 for twice out, shared an unbroken stand of 175 and swept India to victory with seven overs to spare (they had had one deducted for their slow over-rate). There was little chance of setting a defensible target against them in this mood.

Sri Lanka must have sensed the worst once Jayasuriya, their own big hitter, was caught off Prasad for a 28-ball 22 and Ranatunga was run out for three. Only Gurusinha stood firm, for 85 including three sixes; the total would not have reached 200 without 37 extras. Tendulkar launched India with a run-a-ball 41 before Sidhu and the captain took control. Azharuddin finished the day with the Asia Cup, the winners' cheque of $US30,000 and, as a special tribute from his admirers, a steel sword in a gold-plated scabbard.

Man of the Match: M. Azharuddin. Man of the Series: N. S. Sidhu.

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