Australia v West Indies

A game that in advance looked one of the most relishable of the tournament dawdled to a close amid booing, slow hand-clapping and spectators walking out. Needing only 111, Australia slowed their chase to a crawl, doing just enough to ensure they would enter the Super Six on net run-rate, while enabling West Indies to improve their own side of the equation against New Zealand. The Australians openly admitted their intention. Under tournament rules, they would retain points won against fellow-qualifiers. Against New Zealand, that meant nought; against West Indies, two. Lara angrily denied collusion; there was no need for it - the captains understood the tactics, even if spectators did not.

There had been some action for the crowd earlier in the day. McGrath got into his stride at last, collecting three wickets in 13 balls to finish with five for 14 - the fourth-best analysis in World Cup history and the best by an Australian in any limited-overs international against West Indies. Only Jacobs, the first man to carry his bat through a World Cup innings, got the score to 110. Beginning Australia's reply after a rain-extended break, Gilchrist batted brightly, and there was even a hint of a twist when Ambrose struck three times. But once Steve Waugh and Bevan were certain they could not lose, run-scoring became secondary to run-rate manipulation. Their final 19 runs were dragged out across 13 overs, and the victory came from a no-ball.

Man of the Match: G. D. McGrath. Attendance: 21,238.