Adam Gilchrist seized the initiative after the defending champions were put in by Sourav Ganguly. The Australian opener telegraphed his intentions early on, crashing the first ball of the third over delivered by Zaheer Khan to the long-off fence. From that point on, there was no stopping Gilchrist. Srinath, in particular, was treated severely, being walloped for five fours and a six by the Australian vice-captain before he was taken off the attack with initial figures of none for 33 from four overs. Gilchrist went on to make 57 (48 balls, 8 fours, 1 six) before Harbhajan Singh dismissed him in the 14th over.