Australia v India 1997-1998

At Sharjah, April 24 (day/night). India won by six wickets. Toss: India.

India overturned the form of the past week to win the final at a canter. They began well: by the fifth over both Mark Waugh and Ponting had been caught behind. When Moody was given out in similar fashion, Australia were 26 for three. The third umpire confirmed that the ball had indeed carried; the fact that it had not struck Moody's bat was outside his remit. Australia rallied and, thanks to Steve Waugh and Lehmann, who added 103 from 96 balls, set a stiff target. But, to the delight of the partisan spectators, Tendulkar celebrated his 25th birthday by hitting a second successive century, his 15th in one-day internationals. Earlier, Prasad took his 100th one-day international wicket when he dismissed Kasprowicz.

Man of the Match: S. R. Tendulkar. Man of the Series: S. R. Tendulkar.