†ENGLAND v NEW ZEALAND 1982-83

At Perth, February 5. New Zealand won by seven wickets. Heavy rain, rare for the time of year, reduced the match to one of 23 overs a side. With the pitch starting damp and allowing the bowlers undue assistance, winning the toss gave New Zealand a decisive advantage. In the 70 minutes before the storm broke, England struggled to 45 for three in 17.3 overs, Hadlee being well-nigh unplayable. Upon the resumption (a helicopter was brought in to help dry the flooded outfield) there was time for England to receive only another 6.3 overs in which to try and raise their scoring-rate. In this time, for the loss of four more wickets, they slogged 43 runs, Gower making 27 of them. Despite losing Turner and Wright for 12 runs between them in their first seven overs and Crowe at 47 in the thirteenth, New Zealand had fifteen balls to spare when Howarth made the winning hit. England's defeat opened the way for Australia to reach the finals by beating New Zealand next day.

Man of the Match: R. J. Hadlee. Attendance: 16,501.