At Perth, January 12 (day/night). Australia won by 83 runs. Toss: Australia.

Mark Waugh, seizing the opener's spot with a career-best 130, and Taylor seemed to have put the result out of doubt with 189 for the first wicket. That was until rival openers Kaluwitharana and Jayasuriya flayed 54 off the first ten overs. Astutely, Taylor stole their momentum through Law's less-than-medium pace and four wickets tumbled as Sri Lanka sought to make up the difference. Plenty of heat remained in the match, however, and Gurusinha was reprimanded by referee Graham Dowling for a verbal clash with Steve Waugh. After that judgment was delivered, close to midnight, Sri Lankan manager Duleep Mendis could be seen through a committee-room window arguing with Dowling.

Man of the Match: M. E. Waugh. Attendance: 27,978.

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