India v Sri Lanka

Undisciplined Sri Lankan bowling, a pitch of even bounce, short boundaries and batting which ranged from the classical to the brutal set a welter of one-day international records. Ganguly and Dravid's partnership of 318 in 45 overs was the highest in any limited-overs international, surpassing the previous record of 275 set by Azharuddin and Jadeja against Zimbabwe in 1997-98. Ganguly made 183 in 158 balls, with 16 fours and seven sixes, the fourth-highest one-day international score, and the second in World Cup history behind Gary Kirsten's 188 not out against the United Arab Emirates in 1996. India's 373 for six was the second highest total in limited-overs internationals after Sri Lanka's 398 for five against Kenya in the 1996 World Cup, and thus the highest against Test opposition.

Ranatunga's decision to bowl seemed justified when Vaas cut the ball back sharply to hit Ramesh's off stump. However, Dravid, aggressively, and Ganguly, elegantly, soon gained complete dominance, with even Muralitharan unable to stem the flow of runs. Dravid established himself as the pacemaker, reaching his second successive hundred at almost a run a ball. But Ganguly made his own century, from 119 deliveries, then began to hit over the top, racing to 183 in another 39 balls. Sri Lanka restored Kaluwitharana to open the innings but, once he and Jayasuriya were out within five overs, the game was all but finished. Likewise Sri Lanka's defence of their crown.

Man of the Match: S. C. Ganguly. Attendance: 6,778.