Starc, Finch seal Australia’s win
Fast-bowler takes six-wicket haul, opener Finch hits 96 as hosts beat India by four wickets in the tri-series ODI.
Australia beat world champions India by four wickets in a thrilling ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, overcoming a late mini-collapse to win with just six balls remaining.
India’s world-record holder Rohit Sharma (138) smashed his sixth ODI International century to contribute more than half of his team’s total but Mitchell Starc’s career-best 6-43 restricted the visitors to 267-8.
When the hosts replied, swashbuckling opener Aaron Finch proved he is not just a reckless slogger, compiling a composed 96 as Australia overwhelmed the target with one over to spare.
Finch hit five fours and two sixes in his 127-ball knock but missed out on his seventh ODI century as Australia chalked up their second win in the tri-series, which also involves England.
Earlier, Sharma did not threaten the record 264 he blasted against Sri Lanka last year but the Indian opener gave Australian bowlers an insight into his intentions ahead of next month’s World Cup with an almost a run-a-ball knock.
India meet England in the third match of the series on Tuesday.
Scorecard:
India 267-8 in 50 overs (Sharma 138, Starc 6-43)
Australia 269-6 in 49 overs (Finch 96, Yadav 2-55)