India v Australia

At Gwalior, October 26, 2003 (day/night). India won by 37 runs. India 5 pts, Australia 1 pt. Toss: India.

In their first meeting since the World Cup final in March, India showed few signs of any psychological baggage against Australia and galloped to 283 for five batting first, following centuries from Tendulkar and Laxman. After Sehwag went to the third ball of the game, they repaired the innings quickly with a second-wicket partnership of 190, which set the scene for a late onslaught - 89 runs came off the last ten overs. Tendulkar's was an innings of two halves: his first fifty came at a run a ball and was punctuated with nine boundaries, while his second took 67 balls and included one six but no fours. Laxman was more sedate but no less intent, and looked in complete command against all the bowlers except Hogg, who troubled him on off stump. Australia began their chase in familiar style: Hayden and Gilchrist - whose 50 took just 39 balls - putting on 132 for the first wicket. However, in an uncharacteristic collapse Australia lost seven wickets for 53, with Kumble taking the crucial wickets of Hayden and Ponting.

Man of the Match: S. R. Tendulkar.