OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Saturday 4.30pm.
JASON GILLESPIE’S rich haul of four wickets demolished India’s batting Saturday as world champions Australia easily defeated India for the second time in a week in a three-nation cricket championship.
After scoring 253 runs in 50 overs, Australia bowled out India for 211 in 48.3 overs. India also was penalized by one over for not bowling its overs within stipulated time.
India lost half the side for 44 runs. India missed its star batsman and skipper Sachin Tendulkar who didn’t play because of a lingering back injury.
Half centuries by opener Sadagopan Ramesh and Robin Singh were the only consolation for India which lost its third match in a row without putting up a fight.
India’s match against Sri Lanka on Sunday will be crucial for deciding the team which will challenge Australia in the final.
Ricky Ponting and Darren Lehmann took Australia to 200 in 39.2 overs. Lehmann was run out by Indian skipper Ajay Jadeja’s direct hit. Lehmann scored 28 off 40 balls, inclusive of three boundaries.
Captain Steve Waugh came in next but got out after scoring six runs. He was caught by Robin Singh of his own bowling. Australia was on 213 for five in 41.5 overs.
Ponting scored 32 runs to take the Australian score to 252 for eight wickets in 50 overs.