Bad weather put paid to the prospect of an exciting climax to the competiton as Australia chased 228 for victory.

Ricky Ponting's side were ahead of the required rate when a second downpour brought proceedings to an end, with Ponting himself 29 not out and Matthew Hayden on 20.

But the highlight of the game was an innings of 59 off 43 balls by all-rounder Abdur Razzaq which had enabled Pakistan set a respectable target after a dismal start to their innings.

Razzaq hit three sixes and five fours and although pace bowler Jason Gillespie took five wickets in his 10 overs, they came at a cost of 70 runs.

Australia were clear favourites at the start, having beaten their opponents twice in the qualifying phase of the competition and they were soon on top as Glenn McGrath dismissed Shahid Afridi in the third over.

Saeed Anwar hit six boundaries in a positive start to his innings, but it was cut short on 28 when he edged Gillespie to wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.

Pakistan's decision to recall vice-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who had played only one previous game in the competition because of a knee injury, did not pay off and he was lbw third ball to Gillespie to nought.

The slide was halted by Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq, who put on 61 for the fifth wicket, although the run rate was well below what was necessary.