Aussies crumble to 213 against India in must-win tie

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 22 (UNI) Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh and Harbhajan Singh took two wickets apiece as Australia were bowled out for 213 in the must-win sixth ODI of the tri-nation DLF Cup here today.

The Aussies failed to complete their quota of 50 overs and were bowled out for 213, leaving the Indians with a target of 214 in the last league match of the DLF Cup.

Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss but some impressive bowling by the Indian attack and tight fielding saw the Kangaroos getting all out for 213 in 48.1 overs.

Australia began their innings with Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich. The duo was tested by Agarkar and Munaf Patel, who were moving the ball well under heavy conditions and kept the ball in right areas.

Hayden, trying to regain his place in the one-day side, was able to rotate the strike but Katich was circumspect for long. He tried to break the shackles, hitting a superb straight drive for four off Munaf. But he tried one shot too many and was caught brilliantly by Suresh Raina at point.

Katich was out for nine and Australia lost their first wicket on 36. The big wicket came soon as the Indians eliminated the Aussie skipper with a set plan. Munaf kept it short and high to Ponting who fell to the trap and pulled it in the air only to see Agarkar taking a well judged catch at long leg.

Ponting could add only four and Australia was two down for 49.

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