Mohali: India's dream of clinching the top spot in todays match was washed off as the Aussies packed of the team 24 runs short of their dream, in an exciting match. 

Indian innings was given a thrusting start by the demolition duo Sehwag and Sachin. Sehwag in his usual style thrashed the Oz at a strike rate of 137 to reach his 30 within 19 balls. 

Sachin batted a bit longer to reach his slow but steady 40 before being givev LBW out on a delivery of Haurit. Gambhir's replacement man Kohli couldn't do much and once again left the field on a disappoinitng score of 10 runs. 

Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni and Raina - the trio couldn't provide India the outmost required steadiness in the middle order, and that's where spectators first realised that they might not be able to witness an Indian win on this ground tonight.

Bhajji, once again played a superb innings, but fell prey to a decepting delivery off Watson. But in his short stint on the crease, he did sent shivers down Punter's spine. Everytime Bhajji is out to play against the Aussies, it seems that he's actually there for a war. Be it verbal or a sport-war!

Man of the match went to Shane Watson for his epochal contribution of 49 runs as well as for his immaculate bowling spell in which he took three wickets. The win has helped Australia to level the series and at the same time keep the team's number one ODI tag intact. 

Australian Innings

Put into bat, Australia stitched together half-centuries from Ponting (52) and White (62) and cameos from Shane Watson (49) and Michael Hussey (40) to give their bowlers a chance to defend a decent total.

Going strong at 196 for three, Australia came unstuck towards the end and fumbled in the batting powerplay, which cost them four wickets earning just 27 runs, before eventually folding in 49.2 overs.

Ashish Nehra (3/37) was pick of the Indian bowlers, while Harbhajan Singh also grabbed a couple of wickets.

 

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