At Cardiff, June 9. Australia won by seven wickets. Toss: Pakistan.
Australia's entry to the competition proved something of a culture shock both to their opponents and to hosts England, who witnessed one-day cricket of the highest calibre from the two sides. The world champions established their superiority from the start; an attack that included Lee, despite indications he would not feature until the Ashes tour, reduced Pakistan to 85 for six by the 23rd over. It took a world-record seventh-wicket partnership of 124 between Yousuf Youhana and Rashid Latif to get them to a respectable total. Australia lost Gilchrist early on, bowled for pace by Shoaib Akhtar – he later delivered a ball at 97mph, according to the speed gun – but speed alone was not enough against the Australians' formidable line-up. Mark Waugh and Ponting (68 balls, 12 fours) reversed the setback with a 92-run stand inside 15 overs, Bevan and Steve Waugh added 116 without being parted, and Australia triumphed with 4.2 overs remaining.
Man of the Match: R. T. Ponting.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd