At Christchurch, February 26 (day/night). Australia won by 48 runs. Toss: New Zealand.

Fleming again tempted fate by giving away first use of an excellent batting strip and was punished as the Australians raced past their previous international best: 337 for seven against Pakistan three weeks earlier in the second Carlton & United final. Gilchrist was at his most irrepressible, delighting the crowd with seven sixes and nine fours before he was first out after 28 overs. His 128, out of 189, came from only 98 balls and made Mark Waugh's 70 from 88 look pedestrian. Steve Waugh, recovered after twisting his ankle at Dunedin, hit five sixes and two fours in his 54. New Zealand's reply began badly, opener Sinclair out first ball in his first one-day international, but brave batting – Astle and Fleming added 127 in 19 overs – won them respect as they reached 301. The match aggregate of 650 was the fifth-highest in limited-overs internationals.

Man of the Match: A. C. Gilchrist.

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