VB Series, (A/ P/ WI) 2004-05
VB Series, (A/ P/ WI) 2004-05
Daniel Brettig
15-Apr-2006
At Sydney, February 6, 2005 (day/night). Australia won by 31 runs. Toss: Australia.
As in the last SCG final between these sides, in February 2000, McGrath snatched five wickets
to deliver the trophy. In the very first over, Gilchrist had cracked three fours and survived an lbw
appeal for reasons known only to umpire Koertzen, but he batted long enough to kick Australia
to 55 in nine overs. Pakistan bowled studiously to keep the rest in check; indeed, when Katich
was run out by the length of the pitch, there was a hint of panic. The later batsmen, however,
pushed the score to a passable 239. Pakistan's line-up needed to apply itself, but Yousuf Youhana
wasted a smooth fifty by trying to slog Hogg, before McGrath snuffed out the tail. It was not the
happiest occasion - Lee, the player of the tournament, finished it trading beamers with Abdul
Razzaq, and another frazzled innings from Lehmann appeared to mark the end of his international
career. Meanwhile, Pakistan asked the ICC to appoint two neutral umpires in future one-day
internationals.
Man of the Match: G. D. McGrath. Attendance: 38,279.
Man of the Series: B. Lee.