India v Australia

At Kolkata, November 18, 2003 (day/night). Australia won by 37 runs. Toss: Australia.

Despite gaining the advantage at least twice, India were again consigned to second place by Australia, this time by the all-rounders, Harvey and Clarke. Clarke crashed 44 off 28 balls to stretch Australia's total to a barely adequate 235 for five, while Harvey's repertoire of slower balls accounted for four wickets and ruined India's reply just as they were gaining momentum. The Australians lost Gilchrist and Hayden inside the first eight overs and, against testing spin on a slow pitch, were unable to increase the run-rate with their usual ease. India seemed on track when Tendulkar got going, to the delight of the traditional raucous Eden Gardens full house, estimated at close to 100,000. But he was undone by Bichel, Clarke took two vital wickets and, with the tail exposed, Harvey returned from a shaky first spell and took two wickets with successive balls. He then removed Harbhajan and Salvi - and Australia had yet another trophy.

Man of the Match: M. J. Clarke. Man of the Series: S. R. Tendulkar.