Watch the highlights of Australia vs Australia A WSC 1st Final 1994-95 - Benson & Hedges World Series Cup tournament of the the first final one-day match played between Australia A and Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney on 15th January 1995.
Craig McDermott's four-wickets and Michael Slater's classy 92 before Ian Healy hit four off the last-ball of the match to Australia pulled off a thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia A and take a 1-0 lead in a nail-biting game of the best-of-three finals of a Benson and Hedges World Series Cup.
Australia A scored 209-8 in 50 overs with top scorer by Michael Bevan cracked a 73 off 86-balls including 8-fours.
Matthew Hayden struck 50 off 92-balls including 7-fours, Damien Martyn scored 20 off 44-balls without a boundary and Ricky Ponting hit 19 off 28-balls contained a four.
Australia best bowler by Craig McDermott claimed a 4-wickets for 25-runs in 10-overs with economy rate of 2.50, Mark Waugh, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath each took one-wickets.
Australia chase down the target of 210, finishing at 213 for 5 in the allotted 50 overs with top scorer by Michael Slater cracked a 92 off 146-balls - who fell eight-run short of his century - including 4-fours.
David Boon struck 36 off 39-balls including 3-fours, Steve Waugh hit a unbeaten 21 off 27-balls included three-fours, Mark Taylor and Mark Waugh each scored 16-runs.
Australia A best bowler by Greg Blewett, Peter McIntyre both took 2-wickets and one for Shane George.
This match reported by The Canberra Times Staff (Third Party Reference from The Canberra Times)
Australia won the first one-day cricket finals match against Australia A in a nail biting finish, after wicketkeeper Jan Healy scored a lucky four off the last ball of the match when the scores were even.
Australia A paceman Greg Rowell sent down the final delivery, a full toss which Healy sliced over third man to give Australia a five-wicket victory.
Chasing Australia A's 8-209, the senior side finished at 5-213.
Healy was not out nine and Steve Waugh unbeaten on 21 as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The finish wasn't the only thing that provided some tense action.
Earlier, during Australia A's innings, Glenn McGrath and Matthew Hayden quashed any fears that the all-Australian finals would be dull by engaging in a mid pitch altercation that landed them both in hot water.
Referee John Reid, of New Zea land, summoned them after the match over the incident in the 17th over of the match.
Fast bowler McGrath subtly extended an elbow as Hayden completed the first run as a boundary brought up the A team's 50.
On the way back to the crease Hayden turned and bumped into McGrath, who swore at his South African tour colleague before pushing him away.
At drinks moments later Hayden joked about the incident with Test opener Michael Slater, while Steve Waugh offered some advice to NSW and Test team-mate McGrath.
At the end of the night. Australia had to call on all its experi ence as the A team gave the stars: an almighty fright before the crowd of 35,890.
In the fourth last over. Waugh crashed boundaries from leg-spinner Peter McIntyre's last two deliveries to leave Australia 11 to get from the final three overs, a task that proved tougher than expected
Earlier Slater made 92, his highest limited-overs score.
Slater and player of the series David Boon (36) both fell at 167 but Waugh and Healy saw Aus- tralia home. The A team's platform was built around Hayden and Michael Bevan.
Bevan's 73 from 86 balls, following his scintillating 105 in Thursday's win over England, probably saved his place in the team for the fourth Test against England in Adelaide later this month.
Hayden made a welcome return to form with a composed 50 off 92 balls, his seven boundaries punctuating an improved defensive technique.
Test spearhead Craig McDermott was outstanding for Australia with 4-25, three of his victims clean bowled, and ensuring there were no easy runs in the hectic final overs.
McDermott made the initial breakthrough by skittling Blewett's stumps for 19.
Blewett, who made 113 on Thursday, had 19 from 11 balls after despatching Damien Fleming's first over for 14 leg-side runs three fours and a two.
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