All the excitement over India reaching their second World Cup final after 20 years in 2003 was crushed by the rampaging Australians in the first half of the game. Continuing their unbeaten run in the tournament, the defending champions convincingly defeated India by 125 runs in Johannesburg.

Nothing went India's way in the match. Australian openers Adam Gilchrist (57) and Matthew Hayden (37) put on 105 to dampen the mood in the Indian camp before Australia skipper Ricky Ponting (140 not out) and Damien Martyn (unbeaten on 88) posted an unbeaten 234-run stand for the third wicket as Australia posted a record 359-2 in 50 overs.