AUSTRALIA v ZIMBABWE

Toss: Australia.

In their first appearance in the competition, the amateurs of Zimbabwe brought off a bigger surprise than any in the previous two World Cups. The Australian captain described his side as being outplayed. Having been put in, Zimbabwe made no more than a steady start, but from 94 for five their captain, Duncan Fletcher, who was once a professional with Rishton in the Lancashire League, led an acceleration, adding 70 in fifteen overs with Curran and 75 in twelve overs with Butchart. Australia missed five catches, bowled moderately and, though Wood and Wessels gave their innings an adequate start, they slipped behind the required rate against Fletcher's four for 42 and some fine fielding and catching.

Man of the Match: D. A. G. Fletcher.