At Melbourne, January 23 (day/night). South Africa won by six runs. Toss: South Africa.

Just when Australia seemed poised for victory – they needed 36 runs from 35 balls with six wickets in hand – they buckled under a withering onslaught from Donald, lost five wickets for 14 and fell seven short. Attacking and defending at the same time, Donald took two for four in the 47th and 49th overs. Pollock finished the job. Life had looked rosy when Steve Waugh and Bevan were adding 101 in a stand which ticked over with the smoothness of a grandfather clock. Earlier, South Africa had chosen to bat and pulled a surprise by opening with Cullinan, an attempt to short-circuit his problems with Warne. The plan worked for a while as he thumped 26 off 22 balls. But Warne dismissed him for the 11th time when a pumped-up Cullinan roared out of his crease on a death-or-glory mission and was stumped.

Man of the Match: A. A. Donald. Attendance: 44,321.

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