India successfully chased down a 351-run victory target in Nagpur this afternoon to force their one-day international series with Australia into a deciding match.
The hosting Indians won the toss and elected to field first. The Aussies responded to that with a score of 350 from their 50 overs, thanks largely to a 156-run contribution from captain George Bailey.
In reply, India started positively through openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.
It was the latter of that duo that was dismissed first, but not before he had produced a knock of 79. His partner Dhawan was later bowled by James Faulkner for 100, but the duo had seemingly done enough to have put their nation in command.
However, their run rate dropped halfway through their innings and it appeared that the bowling outfit had taken a grip on proceedings.
Virat Kohli responded in the closing stages, though, and his 115 runs from 66 deliveries helped the home side to win the encounter with three balls and six wickets left to spare.
The two sides will now meet in Bangalore to determine who will win the seven-match series. They are currently level at two wins apiece.
Liam Apicella
