Indian bowlers pinned down Australia but their famed batting colleagues made a mess of a modest chase as the visitors hurtled to a 50-run defeat in the cricket tri-series one dayer here today.
After their seamers had restricted Australia to 203 for nine wickets in 50 overs, India's much-vaunted batting order proved a huge let down as they collapsed in just 41.2 overs for a meagre 153 against an Australian attack sans their spearhead Brett Lee.
Australia also managed to bag an additional bonus point from the win and are virtually assured of a place in the final. The hosts lead the table with 17 points in the kitty from five matches. India remain second with eight points from as many games, while Sri Lanka have six from four outing.
India, chasing 204 for win, were always against it when they lost three wickets in a clutch to be 59 for four in the 16th over. Irfan Pathan (14), Gautam Gambhir (34) and Rohit Sharma (1) departed within eight balls to leave India staring at defeat at a critical time.
Sachin Tendulkar went early for five off a dubious leg before decision but Gambhir and Pathan took the score to 55 without much trouble when the rot set in.
India were revived by the 56-run fourth wicket stand between skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (37) and vice captain Yuvraj Singh (26) and appeared to be back once again in the hunt. But Aussies bundles India with a disciplined bowling performance. The Batsmen once again failed and flattered in making an impression. Now Aussies are way at the top of the points table and its now the battle between India and Srilanka to meet the Aussies again in the Finals. Who will meet the giants is the big question.
Micheal Clarke was adjudged the Man of the match for his courageous 80 of 109 balls.
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