At Sydney, January 11 (day/night). New Zealand won by 13 runs. Toss: New Zealand.

New Zealand looked to have assured themselves of a place in the finals with their only victory over Australia in 1993–94; they led South Africa by four points with two matches to play and a vastly superior net run-rate. Greatbatch, who survived an apparent caught and bowled by Warne (with Border's displeasure again evident), and Rutherford were the main contributors to New Zealand's 198, which looked more imposing as Australia slumped to 87 for five. Boon, who was culpable in the run-outs of Taylor and Martyn, batted for three hours. Healy made 48 with a runner, after injuring his ankle, and survived a spectacular one-handed catch by Greatbatch in the covers when the square-leg umpire called no-ball, ruling that the ball bounced above shoulder-height. Three late wickets from Pringle settled the issue with nine balls to spare.

Man of the Match: C. Pringle. Attendance: 37,248.

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