Friday, September 22 2006 11:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kuala Lumpur: Having crossed the first hurdle, a bigger challenge awaits India who has no choice but to win against world champions Australia here today (22 Sep, 2006) to secure a place in the final of the cricket tri-series.

The Indians scraped through for a 16-run victory against West Indies in their last league match to keep their hopes alive but the real test for Rahul Dravid and his men will come against the Aussies in what is virtually a semi-final encounter.

The Indians know well that they can hardly afford to drop their guard even for a moment against Australia who also need a win to book their spot in the final.

Stunned by West Indies earlier this week, Australia would be keen to bounce back in style and avoid the ignominy of taking the flight home early despite being the pre-tournament favourites.

Skipper Ricky Ponting had sat out of the previous tie and so did their best bowler on show Glenn McGrath, perhaps in the belief that even their second string side would be good enough for West Indies.

But Brian Lara's men sprung a huge surprise and upset the applecart of the champion team en route to making it to the final.