It was Australia's day all the way as they laid Pakistan low in all the departments of the game, and that too comprehensively. The unpredictable Pakistanis, on the other hand, could not have had a worse day on a cricket field and that too in a World Cup final.

Though Wasim Akram confidently opted to take first strike after calling correctly, I'm sure Steve Waugh must have been relieved to lose the toss. As things transpired, it was a good toss to lose for the Aussies. They first got rid of Wasti, who was all at sea against the seaming ball and must have been a relieved man after edging McGrath, who bowled quick and derived tremendous movement and bounce off the wicket. Whenever his skipper tossed the ball to him, you could see him itching to have a go at the Pakistan batsmen.

Australia's bowling rose to the occasion today as they put Pakistanis onthe backfoot after the fall of early wickets.

Once McGrath was through with his initial spell, Reiffel and Moody maintained the pressure by bowling economically. Shane Warne once again proved that among his tribe, he's the best in the business. When he gets going his leg-spinners, which curve into the right hander and leave the batsman, make him lethal.

Young Razzaq is a fine cricketer who can be looked upon as a long term prospect for Pakistan. Today, however, he, as well as the unorthodox but effective Ijaz did not last long enough to trouble the Aussies. In fact, the later-order Pakistan batsmen were guilty of not applying himself to the task, even after the wicket had flattened.

A word of credit ought to go to Steve Waugh who led from the front, tightening the screws by making the right bowling changes at the appropriate time. As a matter of fact, it was Australia's good fortune that their key players Steve Waugh and Shane Warne struck form at the right time. Steve played two of the best knocks ofhis life and Warne's bowling against the South Africans was instrumental in his side making the final, and later winning it as well. Both, undoubtedly are potential match-winners in their own right.

The wicket was a beauty and full of runs, but after Pakistan's dismal show with the bat, a good number of die-hard supporters folded their flags, dropped their heads, and made their way home.

Having been bundled out so cheaply, the Pakistanis had to go all out for wickets. In their endeavour to do so, however, Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram gave away too many runs, making Australia's task all that easier. With Mark Waugh batting effortlessly and elegantly, and Adam Gilchrist stroking the ball beautifully and chancing his arm at anything that was hurled his way, the Aussies romped home with more than plenty to spare.

As I said earlier, it was Australia's day all the way.