ICC Champions Trophy, 2006-07
ICC Champions Trophy, 2006-07
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan
15-Apr-2007
At Mohali, November 1, 2006 (day/night). Australia won by 34 runs. Toss: New Zealand.
Led by inspired new-ball spells from McGrath and Lee, Australia broke their Champions Trophy
semi-final jinx with a comfortable win. Chasing a competitive 241 on yet another surface congenial
to seam bowling, New Zealand's top order, which had looked shaky throughout the competition,
fell in a heap, disintegrating to an ignominious 35 for six. A spirited century partnership between
Vettori and Oram briefly threatened the impossible, but Australia had enough in reserve to see
the game through. They had earlier been in danger of collapsing themselves, struggling at four
for two at the start, but two superb half-centuries dragged them into contention. Ponting safely
negotiated a passage when the new ball was moving around alarmingly, while Symonds shelved
his attacking instincts for a more sedate approach. It was Australia's 16th win in their last 18
matches against New Zealand, and left Fleming to rue a "timid display".
Man of the Match: G. D. McGrath.
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan assistant editor of Cricinfo