Aussie pip India by 18 runs to advance in finals

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 22 (UNI) Dinesh Mongia's valiant unbeaten 63 went in vain as Indian batting once again collapsed inexplicably and Australia emerged victorious by 18 runs in a must-win tie of the DLF Cup Tri-series here today to set up a title clash with the West Indies on Sunday.

Chasing a modest 214 for victory, the Indian top and lower order failed to withstand Brett Lee's furious pace and Men-in-Blue were left so-near-yet-so-far after being bundled out for 195 in 43.5 overs. Brett Lee took five wickets and only Dinesh Mongia waged a lonely battle (63 off 91 balls) trying to seal Indian win.

India began the chase reverting back to the trusted opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. Man-in-form Tendulkar hit a four to start off but survived a ferocious appeal in the second over.

Ricky Ponting was again involved in an altercation with umpires as Sachin tried to pull a rising Glenn McGrath delivery but couldn't connect with bat at all. Australia appealed for caught behind and umpire Mark Benson gave him out as well.

However, the umpire retracted his decision and TV replays also showed that the ball had brushed Sachin's forearm.

But Sachin's luck ran out soon when he guided a Brett Lee scorcher straight to point. Lee was spitting fire and he soon met with another success when he had Virender Sehwag clean bowled for 10.

Kaif, promoted to number three, looked in good touch and was middling the ball but he couldn't convert his start and was caught and bowled to Clarke for 21. Skipper Dravid too fell to Clarke leaving India in deep trouble at 50 for four.

It was from here on that Indian middle order showed some resistance led by comeback man Dinesh Mongia. Mongia, fighting to regain his place in side, batted with enough grit and found a partner in Suresh Raina. The two added 46 runs for fifth wicket.

Raina (26) was clean bowled by Hogg and India was left with last recognised pair of Mongia and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni curbed his shots and played along to raise another important partnership with Mongia. The two added 62 runs and put India in a good postion before Dhoni played an ambitous shot that led to India's downfall. The swashbuckling wicketkeeper tried to hit Brett Lee over cover boundary for six but couldn't clear the sweeper.

Wickets started falling like nine pins, and Ajit Agarkar was removed by Brad Hogg while Harbhajan Singh fell to Symonds as the Aussies tightened noose. Brett Lee came clean up the tail and India were all out for 195. Dinesh Mongia was left stranded on 63 off 91 balls.

MORE UNI XC DH HT1927