Never before had Australia defeated the old enemy by such a margin batting second and the speed of their successful chase made it one of England's most ignominious losses.

Adam Gilchrist, who earlier equalled his own world record of six dismissals in England's innings, and Matthew Hayden blasted their way to the 118-run target, requiring just 12.2 overs to get there.

Gilchrist was particularly savage, hitting 20 off one Andrew Caddick over during a personal spell of seven boundaries in eight balls.

His half-century arrived in 36 minutes from only 28 balls as he drove James Anderson through mid-off for his 12th four.

That ushered in one of the most comprehensive wins in the history of one-day international cricket in front of a near full house of 38,980.

The only hopes England had of stopping the duo appeared the rain which fell from the sixth over onwards.

However, the threat of the clouds galvanised Gilchrist who cut and pulled with tremendous power, mostly to the detriment of Caddick.

Although he stung the hands of Michael Vaughan at point off Caddick, the only realistic chance he offered came moments after bringing up his landmark when he sliced Matthew Hoggard through Paul Collingwood's hands at point.

Hayden was the silent partner but brought his side to within a boundary of victory with a huge straight six off Ronnie Irani's medium pace.

And Hayden, who finished on 45 not out, completed the victory with two to midwicket from the second ball of the 13th over.

England made their lowest-ever one-day international total batting first after winning the toss, slumping to a paltry 117 all out in the day-night contest, the opening match in the best-of-three finals.

Their previous lowest total was less than two years ago against Sri Lanka in Dambulla when Graham Thorpe's side were dismissed for 143.

They were routed by Australia's pacemen early on and failed to recover despite the valiant efforts of Paul Collingwood, who made 43.