At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, July 18. Sri Lanka won by six wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka. International debut: S. K. L. De Silva.

Ranatunga scored 131 not out, which he later described as one of his best innings, to steer Sri Lanka into the final. It was his third and highest hundred in 215 one-day internationals, and he needed all his experience to rescue the side from nine for two in the third over. Ranatunga faced 152 balls and struck 17 fours, sharing century partnerships with Atapattu and debutant Lanka de Silva. India had also suffered early setbacks and were 51 for three in 18 overs before Dravid and Azharuddin added 117, guiding them to a respectable 227.

Man of the Match: A. Ranatunga.

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