At Sharjah, April 14. Australia won by nine wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka. International debuts: M. G. Bevan; U. U. Chandana, M. Munasinghe.

Though both teams were short of several senior players, Australia's strength in depth ensured a convincing victory, with nine wickets and 13 overs to spare. Taylor and Mark Waugh shared an unbroken second-wicket stand of 133 in 27 overs, and only Ramanayake could put any brake on the scoring. Sri Lanka's new captain, Mahanama, had decided to bat but was first out as his team struggled to 91 for five – including two run-outs – in 31 overs. Tillekeratne made 64, but no one else reached 30. Warne satisfied an eager crowd with three for 29.

Man of the Match: M. E. Waugh.

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