Cricket: Bevan steers Australia to one–day series win over India

Michael Bevan steered Australia to an exciting four–wicket win over India in the fifth and series deciding limited–over international in the western Indian city of Margao.

Bevan, 31, justified his billing as 'The Finisher' to dash India's hopes of repeating their test series victory in the one–dayers, which reigning World Cup champions Australia clinched 3–2.

Bevan blazed an unbeaten 87 off 113 balls to fashion Australia's win after a dramatic Indian fightback.

Chasing India's score of 265 for six from 50 overs, Australia chalked up 269 for six in 48 overs to salvage some pride from the tour which saw its record test winning spree come to an end.

Bevan struck most of his five boundaries and a six when his team needed them the most.

His efforts were complimented by Ian Harvey who remained unbeaten on 25 as the pair added 67 runs in 53 balls to steer Australia home.

Australia was tottering at 202 for six in the 40th over when Harvey joined Bevan in the middle.

Terming it one of his best one–day knocks, Bevan said keeping his composure helped him tackle the situation.

"It was tough to keep cool under difficult circumstances. But I knew I could do the job if I stayed calm," Bevan said.

Australia began the run chase in whirlwind fashion smashing 100 runs in 85 balls.

Adam Gilchrist cracked a 60–ball 76 inclusive of 10 fours and one six.

Gilchrist's opening partnership with Matthew Hayden (36) hammered 70 runs in 10 overs and put paid to India's hopes.

Hayden completed 1,000 runs in one–dayers during the course of his blitz.

The introduction of Sachin Tendulkar into the attack revived the Indian fortunes as he claimed three quick wickets to apply the brakes on the Aussie batsmen.

Tendulkar too crossed a personal milestone, completing 100 one–day wickets when he got his second scalp in the form of Aussie skipper Steve Waugh for 17.

Spurred by Vangipurappu Laxman's maiden century in limited–over internationals, India had earlier posted a respectable total.

Laxman, who shared two big stands with skipper Sourav Ganguly (74) and Rahul Dravid (31), scored 101 from 107 balls faced, and struck 10 boundaries.

Trying to shake off his poor run of scores reading 6, 4, 0 and 9, Ganguly edged the first ball faced from Glenn McGrath to the third man fence but later grew in confidence.

Ganguly began asserting with two successive boundaries off Australia's ace leg–spinner Shane Warne.

Later, he clouted Warne for two sixes, one of which brought up his 50.

Intense humidity was the only deterrent for Ganguly, who got out in a controversial circumstance.

Ganguly lobbed a simple catch to Ricky Ponting at point after McGrath surprised him with a bouncer which appeared to be going over his shoulder. His 83–ball innings included nine boundaries and two sixers.

Ganguly was the dominant partner in the 105–run second wicket partnership with Laxman in which the Indian captain contributed 70.

Laxman, who was content playing second fiddle, then took charge. With an able ally in Rahul Dravid, the duo raised 97 runs off 98 balls.

India's scoring slowed down after the dismissal of Dravid, who holed out to Waugh while trying to loft Andrew Symonds.

A tired Laxman followed him to the pavilion, top–edging Ian Harvey.

India could only muster 48 runs in the last 10 overs while it lost four wickets.

- INDEPENDENT