VB Series

At Adelaide, January 26, 2004 (day/night). Australia won by 13 runs. Australia 5 pts, Zimbabwe 1 pt. Toss: Australia.

Australia took advantage of a meaningless game to rest Gilchrist and shuffle their batting order. Martyn's promotion to open was not a success, but Bevan's move to No. 4 was, even though he had broken a rib in practice. After four failures from five innings, he anchored Australia's total with 75. Meanwhile, Ponting exploded, hitting 11 fours to Bevan's six. Zimbabwe were set a target that was possible but, given their form so far, improbable. Flower stroked his way to 94 but had little support from the top order. A gutsy 31 not out from Blignaut narrowed the margin of defeat, but Australia never looked in danger.

Man of the Match: G. W. Flower. Attendance: 27,612.