Sydney: India is virtually knocked out of the cricket tri-series after a crushing 87-run defeat at the hands of Australia, which qualified for the final after Sunday’s 10th match of the tournament, which also features Sri Lanka.
Only a miracle of Australia beating Sri Lanka in the next tie and then India also beating Sri Lanka by a big margin with a bonus point will see India in the final of the tournament.
India is at the bottom of the points table with 10 points, Australia are at the top with 19 points while Sri Lanka have 15 points. In case both Sri Lanka and India end tied with 15 points, the Net Run Rate will come into play.
The Indians did reasonably well in the death overs to restrict the hosts to 252 for nine but could never really recover from the early jolts to fold up for a paltry 165 in 39.3 overs to suffer their third defeat on the trot in what turned out to be a lop-sided contest marked by controversial ‘obstruction’ incidents.
Australia rode on useful batting contributions from David Warner (68), Matthew Wade (56) and David Hussey (54) and some disciplined bowling on a sporting SCG track.
It was again the spineless batting display that cost India dearly in a match which they desperately needed to win to keep their hopes alive for a berth in the finals.
As many as six Australian bowlers grabbed wickets with Shane Watson marking his return to international cricket with 2 for 9 from five overs. (PTI)
