At Melbourne, January 16 (day/night). India won by five wickets. Toss: West Indies. The last round-robin match decided which of the two teams would make the final, and both opened nervously. West Indies slumped to 84 for four when Hirwani's leg-spin accounted for the fluent Lara and Richardson, who came into his own after a slow start. Hooper, at a run a ball, and Best began a revival. But there was another collapse before Ambrose, striking the ball firmly off his legs, inspired a rally.

India also seemed subdued, and were 38 for two after 19 overs. Then Srikkanth launched a flurry of adventurous shots, and subsequently Tendulkar took charge. Though less belligerent than Srikkanth, he pierced the gaps skilfully and ran sharply between the wickets for his unbeaten 57. India won with 20 balls to spare.

Man of the Match: S. R. Tendulkar. Attendance: 13,320.

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