India defeated Australia in the first final of the tri-series, which gave India a 1-0 Lead in the Best of the three Finals being played in Australia.
Australia, who recorded a modest 238 – thanks to some incisive spells by the India bowlers and imaginative field placements by Skipper MS Dhoni – had entertained hopes of a win when they got Yuvraj, with India’s Score reading 87-3. They tried to choke the flow of runs with some tight bowling and intense fielding, but the two Mumbaikars put the issue beyond Ricky Pointing and Co’s reach with a mesmerizing batting show. A rare lapse in concentration lead to Rohit’s fall but Tendulkar ensured he stayed till the end.
Earlier, Matthew Hayden launched a daring counter-attack after Dhoni’s surprising, but effective moves. The Indian Skipper handed the new ball to Praveen Kumar, the hero of India’s win over Sri-Lanka last week, and it worked wonders. Praveen got rid of the danger men Adam Gilchrist and Ponting to have the home side, backed by a raucous crowd, in trouble. The fall of Captain and Vice-Captain at the other end, however had a little effect on Big Mat, who wnet after the Indian Bowlers.
On the Win…..
1. It was India’s first win in Sydney in 11 ODI’s against Australia.
2. 1st win in 7 matches for India in Australia Tri-series Finals.
3. 16th win chasing against Australia in ODI’s, 2nd time in this series.
4. Aussies have lost their last three tri-series Finals(twice against England Last year)
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