At R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, August 26 (day/night). Australia won by 27 runs. Toss: Australia. International debut: L. P. C. Silva.

Mark Waugh was back in form, running up 83 in 15 overs with Gilchrist and continuing to 84 from 94 balls, though he struck only five fours. The Sri Lankan spinners managed to slow down the later innings as Muralitharan and Chandana picked up three wickets apiece. Their batsmen were less impressive, slumping to 87 for five, with McGrath claiming two victims in his first appearance of the tournament. However, Chamara Silva marked his international debut with a fifty, and Vaas and Chandana stepped up the pace. Chandana, smashing 35 in 31 balls, gave Australia a few anxious moments before he was last out with three overs to go. Australia's third victory ensured their entry to the final.

Man of the Match: M. E. Waugh.

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