Australia v South Africa

At Sydney, January 22 (day/night). Australia won by eight wickets. Australia 5 pts. Toss: South Africa.

Pollock's decision to bat in perfect conditions for seam bowling proved a disaster. Australia won so comprehensively that a bonus point carried them past South Africa to second place in the table. By the 22nd over, South Africa were 50 for seven, still 19 short of their lowest one-day international total, also against Australia at Sydney, in 1993-94. The pitch offered wicked movement off the seam, and the Australian fast men put the ball in the right places; surviving, let alone scoring, was difficult. South Africa were already two down when a brief but heavy shower soaked the pitch and reduced the batsmen to a series of hopeful pokes and jabs. Only Kirsten looked at all comfortable, and even he took 30 overs to compile 44; six of his team-mates made ducks. Bichel was rewarded for an immaculate line and length, completing a career-best five for 19 with a spectacular diving catch to remove Ntini. When their turn came, the Australians decided not to hang around waiting for the unplayable delivery. Mark Waugh and Ponting carried them home inside 19 overs on a flood of boundaries.

Man of the Match: A. J. Bichel.