Gambhirs ton could not save India from 18-runs defeat

Splendid century by Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir was not able to save Team India from losing the one day international (ODI) against Australia by 18 runs, as Brett Lee claimed his second 5 wicket during the ongoing Commonwealth Bank tri-series.

Sydney, Feb 24 : Splendid century by Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir was not able to save Team India from losing the one day international (ODI) against Australia by 18 runs, as Brett Lee claimed his second 5 wicket during the ongoing Commonwealth Bank tri-series.

Team India was all out at 299 with its last wicket falling in Ishant Sharma.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was adjudged the man of the match for his 124 runs contribution.

Robin Uthappa made 51 out of 46 balls, Harbhajan Singh made 20 out of 11 balls and Irfan Pathan made 22 of 21 deliveries.

Gambhir made 113 in 119 balls with help of 9 fours and single six and he had kept Team India's hope alive even after it lost 4 wickets for 51 at one stage.

Earlier in the day, Ponting looked in ominous touch, while his deputy Michael Clarke's dream run in the series continued as the duo notched up their 50 run partnership.

Both the batsmen looked extremely comfortable against the Indian part-timers as they. The hallmark of the partnership was their excellent running between the wickets, though aided by some sloppy Indian fielding.

As both the batsmen look set, India faced a daunting prospect of chasing a huge target.

Australia won the toss and chose to bat first on a better of a pitch against India in the 10th ODI of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that he too would have liked to bat first. After a string of low scoring matches, the Sydney pitch promises a high scoring game.

ANI