At Sharjah, April 22 (day/night). Australia won by 25 runs, India's target having been revised to 276 from 46 overs. Toss: Australia.

At stake was whether India or New Zealand would join Australia in the final. Spectators and organisers were eager to avoid an all-Antipodean final, but Australia were less keen to oblige. Bevan, scoring his third century in one-day internationals, and Mark Waugh took advantage of a true pitch and slipshod fielding. India then had two targets: 285 to win the match, 254 to qualify on run-rate. After a dust storm accounted for four overs, these were revised to 276 and 237. Their success was thanks to a glorious 143 from Tendulkar. His highest score in limited-overs internationals (and the third highest for India) took 131 balls and included nine fours and five sixes. India lost the match, but achieved their main objective.

Man of the Match: S. R. Tendulkar.

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