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Version 45 Version 46
India v Australia as it happened India v Australia as it happened
(4 days later)
Australia booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy with a six-wicket win over hosts India.Australia booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy with a six-wicket win over hosts India.
Needing 250 to win, Damien Martyn hit the winning runs with 4.2 overs to spare in Mohali.Needing 250 to win, Damien Martyn hit the winning runs with 4.2 overs to spare in Mohali.
Martyn finished unbeaten on 73 and was one of three Australia batsmen to score a half century.Martyn finished unbeaten on 73 and was one of three Australia batsmen to score a half century.
The result means it will be the first time since the 1975 World Cup that no subcontinental team will be in the last four of a major competition.The result means it will be the first time since the 1975 World Cup that no subcontinental team will be in the last four of a major competition.
LATEST ACTIONLATEST ACTION
By Paresh SoniBy Paresh Soni
AUSTRALIA WIN BY SIX WICKETSAUSTRALIA WIN BY SIX WICKETS
46th over: Martyn flicks a full Patel delivery off his pads to seal a comfortable win and ensure no subcontinent team is in the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1975.46th over: Martyn flicks a full Patel delivery off his pads to seal a comfortable win and ensure no subcontinent team is in the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time since 1975.
45th over (244-4): The inevitable is delayed for another over but the end can't be long in coming now. Amazingly, the Indian fans are still jumping up and down and waving flags. They take defeat rather well in Mohali!45th over (244-4): The inevitable is delayed for another over but the end can't be long in coming now. Amazingly, the Indian fans are still jumping up and down and waving flags. They take defeat rather well in Mohali!
44th over (241-4): Martyn continues merrily, with two successive majestic drives on the off-side, to snuff out any possibility of that.44th over (241-4): Martyn continues merrily, with two successive majestic drives on the off-side, to snuff out any possibility of that.
43rd over: WICKET Australia 230-4 (Symonds b Pathan 20) Symonds is determined to end the game quickly but misses completely when he makes room and the ball knocks back middle-stump. Too late for a dramatic comeback - surely?43rd over: WICKET Australia 230-4 (Symonds b Pathan 20) Symonds is determined to end the game quickly but misses completely when he makes room and the ball knocks back middle-stump. Too late for a dramatic comeback - surely?
42nd over (228-3): Patel is battered over cover by Martyn, who probably thinks he can now take some liberties. Patel raps him on the pad, just outside the line of off-stump, to tell him otherwise.42nd over (228-3): Patel is battered over cover by Martyn, who probably thinks he can now take some liberties. Patel raps him on the pad, just outside the line of off-stump, to tell him otherwise.
41st over (224-3): Martyn fires the first salvo with a blistering cover drive off Mongia. A nudge to long-on sees him reach his 37th ODI half century off 88 balls. Aussie thoughts will now be turning towards a likely semi-final with New Zealand at this venue on Wednesday.41st over (224-3): Martyn fires the first salvo with a blistering cover drive off Mongia. A nudge to long-on sees him reach his 37th ODI half century off 88 balls. Aussie thoughts will now be turning towards a likely semi-final with New Zealand at this venue on Wednesday.
40th over (217-3): Symonds is enjoying himself and thumps Sreesanth through mid-wicket for his third four. Maybe we'll see some fireworks with victory in sight.40th over (217-3): Symonds is enjoying himself and thumps Sreesanth through mid-wicket for his third four. Maybe we'll see some fireworks with victory in sight.
39th over (210-3): Another drop off the unlucky Harbhajan. Martyn edges to slip but Dravid, who sees it quite late, fails to hold on. The off-spinner ended wicketless in his 10 overs, which went for 49, but deserved much better.39th over (210-3): Another drop off the unlucky Harbhajan. Martyn edges to slip but Dravid, who sees it quite late, fails to hold on. The off-spinner ended wicketless in his 10 overs, which went for 49, but deserved much better.
39th over: Boy is Symonds a powerful man: the ball disappears in a flash when he takes a stride down the wicket and sweeps Harbhajan to the square-leg boundary.39th over: Boy is Symonds a powerful man: the ball disappears in a flash when he takes a stride down the wicket and sweeps Harbhajan to the square-leg boundary.
38th over (204-3): Sreesanth produces a pearler to beat Martyn all ends up. It seamed away late but there have been too many easy scoring opportunities for these deliveries to have an impact.38th over (204-3): Sreesanth produces a pearler to beat Martyn all ends up. It seamed away late but there have been too many easy scoring opportunities for these deliveries to have an impact.
37th over (204-3): Symonds swats Harbhajan to the square-leg fence with an economy of effort and the equation is fairly simple for Australia - 46 off 78 balls. More Indians head for the exits.37th over (204-3): Symonds swats Harbhajan to the square-leg fence with an economy of effort and the equation is fairly simple for Australia - 46 off 78 balls. More Indians head for the exits.
36th over (196-3): You have to admire the majority of the crowd, who have stayed to watch the finish. They roar with excitement every time the batsmen play and miss. Blind devotion or blissful optimism, their team appears doomed.36th over (196-3): You have to admire the majority of the crowd, who have stayed to watch the finish. They roar with excitement every time the batsmen play and miss. Blind devotion or blissful optimism, their team appears doomed.
35th over (191-3): Harbhajan is back on with India sensing a glimmer of an opportunity and Kaif misses a chance off his second ball at short-leg. Martyn shakes off that scare by blasting the off-spinner straight down the ground. You fear India's hopes went when Kaif failed to grasp the ball.35th over (191-3): Harbhajan is back on with India sensing a glimmer of an opportunity and Kaif misses a chance off his second ball at short-leg. Martyn shakes off that scare by blasting the off-spinner straight down the ground. You fear India's hopes went when Kaif failed to grasp the ball.
34th over: WICKET Australia 185-3 (Ponting c Tendulkar b Sreesanth 58) Almost unbelievably, the skipper is on his way. Sreesanth responds with a good ball which Ponting nibbles at and Tendulkar takes a good catch low to his left to give India hope - albeit a faint one.34th over: WICKET Australia 185-3 (Ponting c Tendulkar b Sreesanth 58) Almost unbelievably, the skipper is on his way. Sreesanth responds with a good ball which Ponting nibbles at and Tendulkar takes a good catch low to his left to give India hope - albeit a faint one.
34th over: Sreesanth drops short and Ponting pummels it for his eighth boundary.34th over: Sreesanth drops short and Ponting pummels it for his eighth boundary.
33rd over (181-2): Sehwag comes on at the other end and Martyn helps the ball to the fine-leg fence when he errs down the leg-side. This could be over fairly quickly.33rd over (181-2): Sehwag comes on at the other end and Martyn helps the ball to the fine-leg fence when he errs down the leg-side. This could be over fairly quickly.
32nd over (173-2): The last few overs have been tedious, to be frank, and the return of paceman Sreesanth brings merciful relief. Ponting gets a juicy half-volley and brings up his 54th ODI fifty off 63 balls with a firm on-drive.32nd over (173-2): The last few overs have been tedious, to be frank, and the return of paceman Sreesanth brings merciful relief. Ponting gets a juicy half-volley and brings up his 54th ODI fifty off 63 balls with a firm on-drive.
31st over (167-2): Ponting is in no rush to get to his landmark and the scoring rate has dropped considerably. As long as they have wickets in hand, the world champions won't mind.31st over (167-2): Ponting is in no rush to get to his landmark and the scoring rate has dropped considerably. As long as they have wickets in hand, the world champions won't mind.
30th over (164-2): A wide from Mongia brings up the fifty partnership off 82 balls and Ponting celebrates with a firm cut for three to move to 47.30th over (164-2): A wide from Mongia brings up the fifty partnership off 82 balls and Ponting celebrates with a firm cut for three to move to 47.
29th over (159-2): An air of inevitability has descended on the PCA Stadium, with no need for Ponting and Martyn to take risks.29th over (159-2): An air of inevitability has descended on the PCA Stadium, with no need for Ponting and Martyn to take risks.
28th over (157-2): India's record against Australia is pretty dismal - two wins in 17 ODIs - and it looks set to get worse.28th over (157-2): India's record against Australia is pretty dismal - two wins in 17 ODIs - and it looks set to get worse.
27th over (156-2): Dravid appears powerless to stop these two picking up singles. Some of the India fans have seen enough and are heading home for dinner, mindful that tomorrow is a working day.27th over (156-2): Dravid appears powerless to stop these two picking up singles. Some of the India fans have seen enough and are heading home for dinner, mindful that tomorrow is a working day.
26th over (152-2): A tidier over from Mongia concedes just the one run but wickets are what India need - and soon.26th over (152-2): A tidier over from Mongia concedes just the one run but wickets are what India need - and soon.
25th over (151-2): Ponting illustrates why he is regarded among the premier batsmen in the game with beautiful poise to crack a short one from Harbhajan through point and bring up the 150.25th over (151-2): Ponting illustrates why he is regarded among the premier batsmen in the game with beautiful poise to crack a short one from Harbhajan through point and bring up the 150.
24th over: (146-2) The initial excitement caused by the spinners has calmed down and 104 off 26 overs should not tax a team as good as the Aussies.24th over: (146-2) The initial excitement caused by the spinners has calmed down and 104 off 26 overs should not tax a team as good as the Aussies.
23rd over (142-2): The third-wicket pair are content to keep the scoreboard ticking along after the flying start from Gilchrist and Watson - and why not, the Aussies are well ahead of the asking rate.23rd over (142-2): The third-wicket pair are content to keep the scoreboard ticking along after the flying start from Gilchrist and Watson - and why not, the Aussies are well ahead of the asking rate.
22nd over (139-2): Martyn eases the pressure by using his feet well and driving Mongia. Pathan should have done more to prevent the boundary and the cumbersome way he moved there is reflected by the fact that he's wearing (the rotund) Powar's sweater.22nd over (139-2): Martyn eases the pressure by using his feet well and driving Mongia. Pathan should have done more to prevent the boundary and the cumbersome way he moved there is reflected by the fact that he's wearing (the rotund) Powar's sweater.
21st over (131-2): Harbhajan is giving it everything, with the ball and his mouth, but Ponting stands firm. If the Aussies come through this passage of play with minimal damage, they should have few other problems.21st over (131-2): Harbhajan is giving it everything, with the ball and his mouth, but Ponting stands firm. If the Aussies come through this passage of play with minimal damage, they should have few other problems.
20th over (128-2): Ponting likes to get on top of the bowling and Mongia gives him a chance to cut for four by dropping it short. The skipper is lucky, though, when he pushes forward and the ball balloons off the splice of the bat - but no-one is close enough to snaffle the chance on the off-side. Martyn then survives another close lbw appeal.20th over (128-2): Ponting likes to get on top of the bowling and Mongia gives him a chance to cut for four by dropping it short. The skipper is lucky, though, when he pushes forward and the ball balloons off the splice of the bat - but no-one is close enough to snaffle the chance on the off-side. Martyn then survives another close lbw appeal.
19th over (123-2): The spinners are making things happen out there. Harbhajan fizzes one in to Martyn and the ball spoons out beyond short-leg.19th over (123-2): The spinners are making things happen out there. Harbhajan fizzes one in to Martyn and the ball spoons out beyond short-leg.
18th over (119-2): The Indians have perked up a bit in the field. Raina dives across to prevent a certain four for Martyn and Mongia has a strong case for lbw against the same batsman - better than the one that got Watson!18th over (119-2): The Indians have perked up a bit in the field. Raina dives across to prevent a certain four for Martyn and Mongia has a strong case for lbw against the same batsman - better than the one that got Watson!
17th over (117-2): Harbhajan causes Martyn discomfort with some sharp turn and a top-edged sweep flies clear of any fielder. This is more to the Indians' liking.17th over (117-2): Harbhajan causes Martyn discomfort with some sharp turn and a top-edged sweep flies clear of any fielder. This is more to the Indians' liking.
16th over: WICKET Australia 111-2 (Watson lbw b Mongia 50) Watson is not happy when umpire Bucknor's finger goes up after he is hit on the pad. It's a badly-needed boost for India, although replays show how marginal it was - it would have just gone on to hit off-stump.16th over: WICKET Australia 111-2 (Watson lbw b Mongia 50) Watson is not happy when umpire Bucknor's finger goes up after he is hit on the pad. It's a badly-needed boost for India, although replays show how marginal it was - it would have just gone on to hit off-stump.
16th over: Watson mis-times his shot and it balloons out on the leg-side but he takes the single to bring up his fifty off 45 balls. Ponting takes one to take the partnership to 50 off 41 balls.16th over: Watson mis-times his shot and it balloons out on the leg-side but he takes the single to bring up his fifty off 45 balls. Ponting takes one to take the partnership to 50 off 41 balls.
16th over: Dravid gives up on his errant pacemen and brings on Mongia from the other end. But with the field spread, ones and twos are there for the taking.16th over: Dravid gives up on his errant pacemen and brings on Mongia from the other end. But with the field spread, ones and twos are there for the taking.
15th over (108-1): Harbhajan is on and his team need some magic from him soon. Watson puts pressure on him straight away by guiding him through the vacant third-man region for his eighth boundary to move to 48.15th over (108-1): Harbhajan is on and his team need some magic from him soon. Watson puts pressure on him straight away by guiding him through the vacant third-man region for his eighth boundary to move to 48.
14th over (101-1): Dravid persists with pace - Harbhajan is off the field after slipping earlier - and Watson drives Pathan down the ground with aplomb before thrashing a wide one off the back foot for four to take his team past 100. Drinks are taken - India need miracle juice to turn this around you'd think.14th over (101-1): Dravid persists with pace - Harbhajan is off the field after slipping earlier - and Watson drives Pathan down the ground with aplomb before thrashing a wide one off the back foot for four to take his team past 100. Drinks are taken - India need miracle juice to turn this around you'd think.
13th over (91-1): This is all too easy for the Aussies. Ponting guides the ball down to third man but Sehwag makes a poor effort to run round and another boundary is notched. Dravid is disgusted and his mood is not helped when Ponting latches on to a half-tracker from Sreesanth to pull with disdain.13th over (91-1): This is all too easy for the Aussies. Ponting guides the ball down to third man but Sehwag makes a poor effort to run round and another boundary is notched. Dravid is disgusted and his mood is not helped when Ponting latches on to a half-tracker from Sreesanth to pull with disdain.
12th over (83-1): Watson's problem is confirmed as cramp and he does not look too hampered as he dispatches Patel through mid-wicket with a fine piece of timing.12th over (83-1): Watson's problem is confirmed as cramp and he does not look too hampered as he dispatches Patel through mid-wicket with a fine piece of timing.
11th over (78-1): Ponting is up and running in earnest with a cover drive and pull for successive boundaries off Sreesanth, with the seamer ruthlessly punished for erring in line and length.11th over (78-1): Ponting is up and running in earnest with a cover drive and pull for successive boundaries off Sreesanth, with the seamer ruthlessly punished for erring in line and length.
10th over (66-1): After a delay Gilchrist comes out to act as Watson's runner so it might be more than cramp, perhaps a pulled muscle.10th over (66-1): After a delay Gilchrist comes out to act as Watson's runner so it might be more than cramp, perhaps a pulled muscle.
10th over: Watson goes down with cramp after cutting Patel for three. He's been a busy boy today and the very brief break did not give him much time to rest. Mind you, the Aussies deserve little sympathy after taking so long to get through their overs.10th over: Watson goes down with cramp after cutting Patel for three. He's been a busy boy today and the very brief break did not give him much time to rest. Mind you, the Aussies deserve little sympathy after taking so long to get through their overs.
9th over: WICKET Australia 61-1 (Gilchrist c Raina b Sreesanth 23) Sreesanth gets his man next ball - a dreadful delivery to be honest - when Gilchrist cuts to backward point where Raina takes an athletic catch. Just what the doctor ordered for India but their reward is to see Ponting, one of the best batsmen in the world, walk to the middle.9th over: WICKET Australia 61-1 (Gilchrist c Raina b Sreesanth 23) Sreesanth gets his man next ball - a dreadful delivery to be honest - when Gilchrist cuts to backward point where Raina takes an athletic catch. Just what the doctor ordered for India but their reward is to see Ponting, one of the best batsmen in the world, walk to the middle.
9th over: Dravid makes a change and brings on Sreesanth - can he stem the deluge of runs? The young seamer responds well with a tremendous delivery which cuts Gilchrist in half and whistles over the stumps.9th over: Dravid makes a change and brings on Sreesanth - can he stem the deluge of runs? The young seamer responds well with a tremendous delivery which cuts Gilchrist in half and whistles over the stumps.
8th over (59-0): Watson is purring class now and when Patel drops it short he fairly laces him off the backfoot through cover-point to bring up 50. Gilchrist adds to the Indians' misery when he chops the ball down and over the keeper and slips before unleashing a glorious cover drive. The world champions are running away with this.8th over (59-0): Watson is purring class now and when Patel drops it short he fairly laces him off the backfoot through cover-point to bring up 50. Gilchrist adds to the Indians' misery when he chops the ball down and over the keeper and slips before unleashing a glorious cover drive. The world champions are running away with this.
7th over (45-0): More evidence of Watson's batting skills - Pathan is twice pulled with brutal efficiency for boundaries and the Aussies are motoring nicely towards their target.7th over (45-0): More evidence of Watson's batting skills - Pathan is twice pulled with brutal efficiency for boundaries and the Aussies are motoring nicely towards their target.
6th over (33-0): Watson, who bowled a feisty spell earlier, is no mug with the bat either. He demonstrates tremendous timing and placement to play an on-drive off Patel, who is unlucky not to bowl Gilchrist with a delivery which cuts back in sharply.6th over (33-0): Watson, who bowled a feisty spell earlier, is no mug with the bat either. He demonstrates tremendous timing and placement to play an on-drive off Patel, who is unlucky not to bowl Gilchrist with a delivery which cuts back in sharply.
5th over (28-0): Gilchrist will keep putting away wide long-hops like the one delivered by Pathan all day long. The crowd is stunned into silence by the ferocity of the shot.5th over (28-0): Gilchrist will keep putting away wide long-hops like the one delivered by Pathan all day long. The crowd is stunned into silence by the ferocity of the shot.
4th over (24-0): Patel gets his line all wrong and the ball disappears for four leg byes before a third lbw appeal against Watson is turned down by umpire Bucknor.4th over (24-0): Patel gets his line all wrong and the ball disappears for four leg byes before a third lbw appeal against Watson is turned down by umpire Bucknor.
3rd over (18-0): Gilchrist smashes Australia's first boundary and then a mis-field by Harbhajan means another three runs to the total.3rd over (18-0): Gilchrist smashes Australia's first boundary and then a mis-field by Harbhajan means another three runs to the total.
2nd over 10-0: Patel steams in from the other end and bowls over the wicket to Gilchrist. He gives away five wides but his next couple of deliveries are much better and Watson is again rapped on the pads.2nd over 10-0: Patel steams in from the other end and bowls over the wicket to Gilchrist. He gives away five wides but his next couple of deliveries are much better and Watson is again rapped on the pads.
1st over (3-0): Gilchrist opens Australia's innings with a single from Pathan's first ball and Watson survives a lbw shout, replays showing the ball would have sailed over the stumps.1st over (3-0): Gilchrist opens Australia's innings with a single from Pathan's first ball and Watson survives a lbw shout, replays showing the ball would have sailed over the stumps.
INNINGS BREAKINNINGS BREAK
50th over: WICKET 249-8 (Dhoni lbw b Bracken 28) The innings ends in even more bizarre circumstances. A huge swipe from Dhoni gets a big inside edge on to his pads and, laughably, he is given out lbw. After all that, India finish with a total which doesn't look big enough, but you never know...50th over: WICKET 249-8 (Dhoni lbw b Bracken 28) The innings ends in even more bizarre circumstances. A huge swipe from Dhoni gets a big inside edge on to his pads and, laughably, he is given out lbw. After all that, India finish with a total which doesn't look big enough, but you never know...
50th over: Brilliant improvisation from Dhoni brings him four with a reverse sweep - off paceman Bracken.50th over: Brilliant improvisation from Dhoni brings him four with a reverse sweep - off paceman Bracken.
49th over: WICKET India 239-7 (Pathan c Martyn b McGrath 10) And the great paceman ends a quite sublime spell of pace bowling with his second wicket. Pathan tries to hit him out of the ground and sends the ball down Martyn's throat at square-leg. McGrath finishes with 2-34 off his 10 overs.49th over: WICKET India 239-7 (Pathan c Martyn b McGrath 10) And the great paceman ends a quite sublime spell of pace bowling with his second wicket. Pathan tries to hit him out of the ground and sends the ball down Martyn's throat at square-leg. McGrath finishes with 2-34 off his 10 overs.
48th over (234-6): Pathan, who has batted as high as three recently, comes in and immediately starts middling everything, racing to nine off four balls. A spectacular finale here could still give India something to defend.48th over (234-6): Pathan, who has batted as high as three recently, comes in and immediately starts middling everything, racing to nine off four balls. A spectacular finale here could still give India something to defend.
48th over: WICKET India 224-6 (Raina c Watson b Bracken 13) Raina gets hold of one from Bracken but succeeds only in finding Watson in front of the rope at long-on.48th over: WICKET India 224-6 (Raina c Watson b Bracken 13) Raina gets hold of one from Bracken but succeeds only in finding Watson in front of the rope at long-on.
47th over: Plenty of big shots from Raina and Dhoni but no boundaries off McGrath. They'll be reasonably happy with eight off the over, though.47th over: Plenty of big shots from Raina and Dhoni but no boundaries off McGrath. They'll be reasonably happy with eight off the over, though.
46th over (216-5): Dhoni is struggling to find the middle of the bat. Raina shows him how by walloping Bracken to the deep mid-wicket fence.46th over (216-5): Dhoni is struggling to find the middle of the bat. Raina shows him how by walloping Bracken to the deep mid-wicket fence.
45th over (207-5): Excellent bowling from Lee at this stage keeps the scoring down to one. After his poor start, he'll be delighted with 2-54 off 10 overs.45th over (207-5): Excellent bowling from Lee at this stage keeps the scoring down to one. After his poor start, he'll be delighted with 2-54 off 10 overs.
44th over (206-5): Watson's radar malfunctions with two more wides and Raina cleverly steers him down to third man for a welcome boundary.44th over (206-5): Watson's radar malfunctions with two more wides and Raina cleverly steers him down to third man for a welcome boundary.
43rd over: WICKET India 197-5 (Kaif b Lee 30) Lee produces a snorter which nips back and takes out Kaif's off-stump. This is a great fightback from him and India are in danger of falling well short of a challenging total.43rd over: WICKET India 197-5 (Kaif b Lee 30) Lee produces a snorter which nips back and takes out Kaif's off-stump. This is a great fightback from him and India are in danger of falling well short of a challenging total.
42nd over (197-4): India need something special from their maverick and he begins by helping a leg-side Watson delivery to the fine-leg boundary.42nd over (197-4): India need something special from their maverick and he begins by helping a leg-side Watson delivery to the fine-leg boundary.
41st over: WICKET India 186-4 (Dravid c Clarke b Lee 52) But it's all over next ball when he flips tamely to Clarke at mid-wicket to silence the crowd. In comes cult hero Dhoni - crazy hair, crazy batting and all.41st over: WICKET India 186-4 (Dravid c Clarke b Lee 52) But it's all over next ball when he flips tamely to Clarke at mid-wicket to silence the crowd. In comes cult hero Dhoni - crazy hair, crazy batting and all.
41st over: Dravid brings up his 72nd ODI half century in style, pulling Lee powerfully over mid-wicket.41st over: Dravid brings up his 72nd ODI half century in style, pulling Lee powerfully over mid-wicket.
40th over (182-3): Dravid has a let-off when he skies his pull off McGrath but no-one can spot the opportunity, with Lee too late running in from fine-leg.40th over (182-3): Dravid has a let-off when he skies his pull off McGrath but no-one can spot the opportunity, with Lee too late running in from fine-leg.
39th over (177-3): The Aussies are determined to attack and Lee, having conceded 43 off six overs, is back. The fifty partnership comes up off 63 balls. Can these two now kick on?39th over (177-3): The Aussies are determined to attack and Lee, having conceded 43 off six overs, is back. The fifty partnership comes up off 63 balls. Can these two now kick on?
38th over (173-3): Ponting replaces the expensive Symonds with McGrath but his team will struggle to bowl their 50 overs by the cut-off point.38th over (173-3): Ponting replaces the expensive Symonds with McGrath but his team will struggle to bowl their 50 overs by the cut-off point.
37th over (169-3): Kaif follows his captain's lead and, with the field up, hits through the line to dispatch Johnson to the long-off boundary.37th over (169-3): Kaif follows his captain's lead and, with the field up, hits through the line to dispatch Johnson to the long-off boundary.
36th over (163-3): The Indian skipper makes room to brilliantly carve Symonds through the off-side and a desperate dive from Lee cannot prevent four. Dravid is starting to step on the gas now.36th over (163-3): The Indian skipper makes room to brilliantly carve Symonds through the off-side and a desperate dive from Lee cannot prevent four. Dravid is starting to step on the gas now.
35th over (155-3): Dravid drives elegantly past Johnson but, again, the ball hits the timber and a certain four is prevented.35th over (155-3): Dravid drives elegantly past Johnson but, again, the ball hits the timber and a certain four is prevented.
34th over (152-3): Dravid shows some urgency by lofting Symonds to cow corner for four and sweeps for two to take his team past 150.34th over (152-3): Dravid shows some urgency by lofting Symonds to cow corner for four and sweeps for two to take his team past 150.
33rd over (145-3): With two very similar batsmen at the crease, both of whom like to build patiently, India are in danger of losing some ground here. On a belter of a wicket 275 looks par.33rd over (145-3): With two very similar batsmen at the crease, both of whom like to build patiently, India are in danger of losing some ground here. On a belter of a wicket 275 looks par.
32nd over (141-3): Ponting turns to Symonds for the first dose of spin and he finds some sharp turn.32nd over (141-3): Ponting turns to Symonds for the first dose of spin and he finds some sharp turn.
31st over (137-3): Kaif collects his first four with a crisp off-drive when Johnson over-pitches. This is a crucial passage of play for India: these two will want to lay the foundations for Dhoni to launch a late assault.31st over (137-3): Kaif collects his first four with a crisp off-drive when Johnson over-pitches. This is a crucial passage of play for India: these two will want to lay the foundations for Dhoni to launch a late assault.
30th over (132-3): Watson is persisting with the short stuff - and it's proving hard to get away - but he has struggled with his line a bit.30th over (132-3): Watson is persisting with the short stuff - and it's proving hard to get away - but he has struggled with his line a bit.
29th over: WICKET India 126-3 (Sehwag lbw b Johnson 65) Johnson does win an lbw verdict this time, and there's little doubt for umpire Bucknor when he shapes the ball back in and hits Sehwag's back leg right in line with middle. An eventful 90-ball knock, sprinkled with audacity and fortune, comes to an end.29th over: WICKET India 126-3 (Sehwag lbw b Johnson 65) Johnson does win an lbw verdict this time, and there's little doubt for umpire Bucknor when he shapes the ball back in and hits Sehwag's back leg right in line with middle. An eventful 90-ball knock, sprinkled with audacity and fortune, comes to an end.
28th over (126-2): Sehwag is becoming agitated at the lack of boundaries and backs away in ungainly fashion, only to miss with his swish. Dravid walks up and has a word.28th over (126-2): Sehwag is becoming agitated at the lack of boundaries and backs away in ungainly fashion, only to miss with his swish. Dravid walks up and has a word.
27th over (123-2): Johnson swings one back in to hit Dravid on the back leg but the umpire correctly rules it was high. Like Watson, the left-armer looks likely to play some part in the Ashes.27th over (123-2): Johnson swings one back in to hit Dravid on the back leg but the umpire correctly rules it was high. Like Watson, the left-armer looks likely to play some part in the Ashes.
26th over (121-2): Watson's been quick with his bowling and verbals but Sehwag responds with a stroke of genius to deftly glide the ball down to third man. Watson keeps quiet.26th over (121-2): Watson's been quick with his bowling and verbals but Sehwag responds with a stroke of genius to deftly glide the ball down to third man. Watson keeps quiet.
25th over (114-2): Dravid pulls out two shots of the highest class to cut Lee and drive him through mid-on for successive boundaries. It brings a sedated crowd to life.25th over (114-2): Dravid pulls out two shots of the highest class to cut Lee and drive him through mid-on for successive boundaries. It brings a sedated crowd to life.
24th over (105-2): Watson's working up a fair bit of pace. Australia's faith in him is being rewarded and he does look a good bet for that all-rounder's slot in the first Test against England in Brisbane next month.24th over (105-2): Watson's working up a fair bit of pace. Australia's faith in him is being rewarded and he does look a good bet for that all-rounder's slot in the first Test against England in Brisbane next month.
23rd over (101-2): Luck goes against India for a change when Dravid produces a peach of a straight drive against Lee but it knocks out one a stump at the other end and no runs come from it.23rd over (101-2): Luck goes against India for a change when Dravid produces a peach of a straight drive against Lee but it knocks out one a stump at the other end and no runs come from it.
22nd over (100-2): Sehwag flicks Watson off his legs for a single to bring up three figures for India. They have the platform for a big total but the Aussies will still fancy their chances of limiting the damage.22nd over (100-2): Sehwag flicks Watson off his legs for a single to bring up three figures for India. They have the platform for a big total but the Aussies will still fancy their chances of limiting the damage.
21st over (95-2): Lee, whose first three overs went for 27, is back. There's more frustration for him as Dravid edges a good ball to the third-man boundary and Sehwag plays and misses at a quick one.21st over (95-2): Lee, whose first three overs went for 27, is back. There's more frustration for him as Dravid edges a good ball to the third-man boundary and Sehwag plays and misses at a quick one.
20th over: WICKET India 89-2 (Mongia c Hussey b Watson 18) But the very next ball he produces a lazy shot to a good-length delivery to guide Watson into Hussey's hands at slip. Australia needed that - and it's been coming. Skipper Dravid walks to the crease in his 300th one-day international.20th over: WICKET India 89-2 (Mongia c Hussey b Watson 18) But the very next ball he produces a lazy shot to a good-length delivery to guide Watson into Hussey's hands at slip. Australia needed that - and it's been coming. Skipper Dravid walks to the crease in his 300th one-day international.
20th over: Mongia effortlessly turns Watson off middle-stump and the ball disappears at lightning pace through square-leg. No-one moved an inch.20th over: Mongia effortlessly turns Watson off middle-stump and the ball disappears at lightning pace through square-leg. No-one moved an inch.
19th over (84-1): A huge roar erupts when Sehwag guides the left-armer down to a wide third man for his 24th ODI fifty off 63 balls. He's had quite a bit of luck but entertained us with eight boundaries.19th over (84-1): A huge roar erupts when Sehwag guides the left-armer down to a wide third man for his 24th ODI fifty off 63 balls. He's had quite a bit of luck but entertained us with eight boundaries.
19th over: Bracken strikes Sehwag on the back leg and there appeared to be little wrong with that one but Bucknor - standing in his 150th ODI - turns the appeal down.19th over: Bracken strikes Sehwag on the back leg and there appeared to be little wrong with that one but Bucknor - standing in his 150th ODI - turns the appeal down.
18th over (76-1): Watson, England's destroyer last week, comes on for Johnson and squanders an easy opportunity to run out Sehwag by a good few yards. The force and lady luck have been with the opener today and Watson chirps a few words at him when he fails to connect with another outrageous swipe.18th over (76-1): Watson, England's destroyer last week, comes on for Johnson and squanders an easy opportunity to run out Sehwag by a good few yards. The force and lady luck have been with the opener today and Watson chirps a few words at him when he fails to connect with another outrageous swipe.
17th over (75-1): Mongia frees his arms too after the drinks break and unleashes a cracking back-foot drive off Bracken for four but is beaten all ends up by one which straightens at the end of the over.17th over (75-1): Mongia frees his arms too after the drinks break and unleashes a cracking back-foot drive off Bracken for four but is beaten all ends up by one which straightens at the end of the over.
16th over (68-1): Sehwag knows only one way to cope with these situations and makes room to hammer Johnson high in front of and behind point for boundaries to relieve some of the tension. But a mix-up between the batsmen presents a run-out opportunity but Clarke is slow to get in the throw, which is wayward anyway.16th over (68-1): Sehwag knows only one way to cope with these situations and makes room to hammer Johnson high in front of and behind point for boundaries to relieve some of the tension. But a mix-up between the batsmen presents a run-out opportunity but Clarke is slow to get in the throw, which is wayward anyway.
15th over (57-1): Mongia's frustration almost costs him when he attempts to flay a wide one from Bracken but almost edges behind. He can count himself very lucky next ball when the seamer produces a beauty which kisses the off-stump - but the bails stay on!15th over (57-1): Mongia's frustration almost costs him when he attempts to flay a wide one from Bracken but almost edges behind. He can count himself very lucky next ball when the seamer produces a beauty which kisses the off-stump - but the bails stay on!
14th over (57-1): Johnson, who looked impressive against England, replaces McGrath (6-1-12-1) and the rookie is right on target immediately. The runs have dried up somewhat since the expensive Lee came off.14th over (57-1): Johnson, who looked impressive against England, replaces McGrath (6-1-12-1) and the rookie is right on target immediately. The runs have dried up somewhat since the expensive Lee came off.
13th over (55-1): Mongia nearly spoons a catch off a slower Bracken delivery. As England found against Bravo yesterday, they can cause all sorts of problems.13th over (55-1): Mongia nearly spoons a catch off a slower Bracken delivery. As England found against Bravo yesterday, they can cause all sorts of problems.
12th over (54-1): Left-hander Mongia is off to a confident start, pulling a short McGrath delivery with real authority. McGrath hits back by almost finding the outside edge. "Pigeon" is working himself back to his best, which is very bad news for England.12th over (54-1): Left-hander Mongia is off to a confident start, pulling a short McGrath delivery with real authority. McGrath hits back by almost finding the outside edge. "Pigeon" is working himself back to his best, which is very bad news for England.
11th over (50-1): Johnson makes a hash of trying to field a heave from Sehwag on the long-leg boundary to gift the batsman four, which brings up 50 for the Aussies.11th over (50-1): Johnson makes a hash of trying to field a heave from Sehwag on the long-leg boundary to gift the batsman four, which brings up 50 for the Aussies.
10th over: WICKET India 46-1 (Tendulkar c Gilchrist by McGrath 10) And McGrath finally gets the wicket he richly deserves, inducing the edge from Tendulkar to earn the Aussies a breakthrough. That was the 400th dismissal Gilchrist has played a hand in in ODIs.10th over: WICKET India 46-1 (Tendulkar c Gilchrist by McGrath 10) And McGrath finally gets the wicket he richly deserves, inducing the edge from Tendulkar to earn the Aussies a breakthrough. That was the 400th dismissal Gilchrist has played a hand in in ODIs.
10th over: McGrath smiles ruefully after Tendulkar edges wide of the slips for his second four.10th over: McGrath smiles ruefully after Tendulkar edges wide of the slips for his second four.
9th over (42-0): Sehwag almost kisses two successive beautiful Bracken deliveries behind before launching an outrageous heave which soars high towards the cover-point boundary.9th over (42-0): Sehwag almost kisses two successive beautiful Bracken deliveries behind before launching an outrageous heave which soars high towards the cover-point boundary.
8th over (38-0): McGrath is proving miserly and causing problems even for the great Tendulkar with his nagging line and length.8th over (38-0): McGrath is proving miserly and causing problems even for the great Tendulkar with his nagging line and length.
7th over (36-0): Too much excitement for Ponting, who replaces his speedster with Bracken. Sehwag takes an immediate liking to his pace, pulling out a cracking straight drive for his fourth boundary to move to 25. Bracken responds with a bouncer which troubles Tendulkar but this is a good pitch and the outfield is fast so a big score is on the cards.7th over (36-0): Too much excitement for Ponting, who replaces his speedster with Bracken. Sehwag takes an immediate liking to his pace, pulling out a cracking straight drive for his fourth boundary to move to 25. Bracken responds with a bouncer which troubles Tendulkar but this is a good pitch and the outfield is fast so a big score is on the cards.
6th over (29-0): McGrath is a model of accuracy as he sends down a maiden to make it only two runs conceded off three overs. All the excitement has been coming at Lee's end.6th over (29-0): McGrath is a model of accuracy as he sends down a maiden to make it only two runs conceded off three overs. All the excitement has been coming at Lee's end.
5th over (29-0): Tendulkar is not impressed when a late call for a single from Sehwag forces him to scamper through. He has another scare when Lee comprehensively beats him with a delivery which only just misses off-stump. The Mumbai maestro finally gets going with a fine square-drive for four to end a costly over.5th over (29-0): Tendulkar is not impressed when a late call for a single from Sehwag forces him to scamper through. He has another scare when Lee comprehensively beats him with a delivery which only just misses off-stump. The Mumbai maestro finally gets going with a fine square-drive for four to end a costly over.
5th over: Sehwag gets an inside edge and is fortunate when it flies past leg-stump for four down to fine-leg. The next delivery, a half-volley no-ball, is driven beautifully through extra-cover for his third boundary. Tendulkar, meanwhile, has yet to get off the mark after 10 balls.5th over: Sehwag gets an inside edge and is fortunate when it flies past leg-stump for four down to fine-leg. The next delivery, a half-volley no-ball, is driven beautifully through extra-cover for his third boundary. Tendulkar, meanwhile, has yet to get off the mark after 10 balls.
4th over (13-0): McGrath is just the type of bowler to trouble the dashing Sehwag and a nibble outside off-stump almoes does for the batsman. Clarke falls over fielding at extra-cover and the Indian fans roar in mirth. 'Pup' sees the funny side of it.4th over (13-0): McGrath is just the type of bowler to trouble the dashing Sehwag and a nibble outside off-stump almoes does for the batsman. Clarke falls over fielding at extra-cover and the Indian fans roar in mirth. 'Pup' sees the funny side of it.
3rd over (12-0): I spoke too soon. Sehwag's innings was nearly over there but Clarke failed to hold on to a tough chance at deep gully when the kitchen sink was thrown at another wide one, albeit a little fuller.3rd over (12-0): I spoke too soon. Sehwag's innings was nearly over there but Clarke failed to hold on to a tough chance at deep gully when the kitchen sink was thrown at another wide one, albeit a little fuller.
3rd over: Lee drops one a bit wide and Sehwag thrashes it through point like a tracer bullet. Sehwag has come in for fierce criticism in the Indian media after failing to score a ODI century in 18 months but that was more like his old self.3rd over: Lee drops one a bit wide and Sehwag thrashes it through point like a tracer bullet. Sehwag has come in for fierce criticism in the Indian media after failing to score a ODI century in 18 months but that was more like his old self.
2nd over (6-0): A quiet first over - not in terms of the crowd - from McGrath, who conceded just the single to Sehwag. Even that felt like it was the winning run in a World Cup final such was the crescendo.2nd over (6-0): A quiet first over - not in terms of the crowd - from McGrath, who conceded just the single to Sehwag. Even that felt like it was the winning run in a World Cup final such was the crescendo.
1st over (5-): Sehwag throws the bat at the first delivery and it flies over gully for two. He is beaten next ball before square-driving for three. McGrath dives brilliantly to prevent the boundary. Everything is being greeted with a near-hysterical reaction from a lively crowd. The world champions against the hosts at a packed venue - this is more like it!1st over (5-): Sehwag throws the bat at the first delivery and it flies over gully for two. He is beaten next ball before square-driving for three. McGrath dives brilliantly to prevent the boundary. Everything is being greeted with a near-hysterical reaction from a lively crowd. The world champions against the hosts at a packed venue - this is more like it!
0858: Lee prepares to bowl at Sehwag and it is no overstatement to say this is the biggest match of the tournament so far, with comfortably the best atmosphere.0858: Lee prepares to bowl at Sehwag and it is no overstatement to say this is the biggest match of the tournament so far, with comfortably the best atmosphere.
0835: India's team features three changes: the injured Yuvraj Singh and Ajit Agarkar are replaced by Shantakumaran Sreesanth and Dinesh Mongia, while Mohammad Kaif comes in for Rudra Pratap Singh.0835: India's team features three changes: the injured Yuvraj Singh and Ajit Agarkar are replaced by Shantakumaran Sreesanth and Dinesh Mongia, while Mohammad Kaif comes in for Rudra Pratap Singh.
Australia keep the same side which beat England as they look to go beyond the semis for the first time in the tournament's history. If India lose it will be the first time since the 1975 World Cup that no subcontinental team will be in the last four of a major competition.Australia keep the same side which beat England as they look to go beyond the semis for the first time in the tournament's history. If India lose it will be the first time since the 1975 World Cup that no subcontinental team will be in the last four of a major competition.
0830 GMT: India win the toss and decide to bat first in Mohali.0830 GMT: India win the toss and decide to bat first in Mohali.