Tuesday, March 4, 2008

India won CB Series, beat Australia in the 2nd Final at Gabba


In a thrilling match, the 2nd final of Commonwealth Bank (CB) Series, India survived the final hurdle and fightback against Australia to win a thrilling ODI by nine runs and claim the series 2-0.

Irfan Pathan took two wickets in the final over with Australia needing 13 to win, after a half-century from James Hopes had inspired the hosts' fightback.

Chasing 259 after Sachin Tendulkar posted a classy 91, Australia struggled to recover from the loss of Adam Gilchrist, who scored two in his last ever international innings, and skipper Ricky Ponting for one.

Matthew Hayden (55) and the middle order provided some resistance to set up a nail biting finish but the India bowlers skittle the tail to clinch victory.

Twenty three years after India's last significant limited-overs title in Australia, Sachin Tendulkar helped script another memorable chapter with an innings of skill and determination. There was to be no repeat of his twin centuries against Australia in 1998, but his 91 set up a total which, backed by Praveen Kumar's subtle-swinging accuracy, proved nine runs too much for Australia.

India failed a higher total after Tendulkar's innings, Yuvraj Singh's 38 and 36 from Mahendra Singh Dhoni had set the platform. A lower order collapse prevented a more daunting total but in reply, Australia made a nervous start and lost Gilchrist in the first over.

Praveen Kumar once again put a brilliant perfomance took 4 wickets well supported by Harbhajan Singh.

Match Summary:

India - 258/9 in 45.5 overs.

- 249 All Out in 50 overs.

Result - India won by 9 runs .

Man of the Match - Praveen Kumar (India)

Man of the Series - Nathan Bracken (Australia)

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