Tri-series: India crushed Australia by four wickets

By Sohail Zafar on Sunday, 12th February 2012

Dhoni leads India to thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia

Skipper MS slammed a monster six in the final over as India broke Australia’s monopoly by depriving a lip-smacking four-wicket victory over the hosts in the fourth game of triangular series on Sunday.

Indian were needed 13 runs from the final over, bowled by Clint McKay to chase-down the 270-run victory target and the sensations intensified when just a solitary run could be produced off the first two deliveries. However, on the third delivery, Dhoni (44 not out) lashed a 112 meter blow into the crowd to cool down the matters.

The subsequent delivery turned out to be a no-ball and that made the assignment simple for the India.

India VS Australia: Gambhir scored 92

Though, due to holding the nerves in the final moments Dhoni became the ultimate hero, but the foundations of India’s triumph was actually laid by opener Gautam Gambhir, who batted well under pressure and produced a sagacious vigil of 92 before being trapped leg-before off paceman Clint McKay in the 35th over.

Gambhir, whose 111-ball knock was studded with seven boundaries, stitched up 76 runs alongside Rohit Sharma (33) for third wicket to settle down the chase after fellow opener Virender Sehwag (20) and Virat Kohli (18) fell cheaply to McKay.

Gambhir’s dismissal was a big breakthrough for Australia, but then Suresh Rania (38) combined with Dhoni and continued the anticipation towards chase with frequent rotation of strike and occasional boundaries.

Off-spinner Xavier Doherty broke out the 73 run stand by nettling the stumps of Raina on the first delivery of 47th over and dismissed Ravindra Jadeja (12) in his next over.

India VS Australia: Forrest, Hussey added 98 runs

Earlier, debutant Peter Forrest and David Hussey cracked half centuries but top-order failed to deliver as Australia could manage to reach 269-8.

Forrest (66) and Hussey (72) reestablished Australia by adding 98 runs for the fourth wicket after they were reeling at 81-3 at one stage.

Daniel Christian (39) attempted to play some hostile shots towards the close but thanks to Indian fielders who evaded the ball to cross rope on several certain occasions as the last ten overs yielded only 57 runs.

Pace duo Vinay Kumar and Umesh Yadav claimed two wickets apiece for India.

India will now face Sri Lanka in the fifth game of Commonwealth Bank series on Tuesday.

India VS Australia 4th Match Scorecard