Australia defeat India by 21 runs in 4th ODI

Bengaluru: In a comprehensive win after losing the series 0-3, Australia pulled one back defeating India by 21 runs in the fourth one-day international played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.Opting to bat first, the Steve Smith side rattled up 334 for 5 as a new bowling set up opted by the Indian team management came a cropper.Chasing the tall score India was never in contension despite a century patnershp by Ajikya Rahanie (53) and Rohit Sharma (65) as not backed well by the middle order as the 335-run target proved to be too tough for the home side.

Earlier, Austalia rattled up 334 for five with a record opening partnership betwen indomitable David Warner (124) and Aaron Finch (94) eclipsing teh 31 year old record of 212 runs scored by openers G Marsh and David Boon way back in 1986.This ensured the easy win as the Kohli side failed to chase the tall total despite some heroics by Hardik Pandya (67) and a106 run openening parthership by Ajinkya Rahani (54) and Rohit Sharma (65) .

Earlier, the Aussie openers had an easy start as replaced Indian pace bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav struggled throughout the first 10 overs.The reshuffle in the pace battery did the home time in as skipper Virat Kohli was seen wantein for ideas while Warner and Finch went streaming.Though Australia lost three wickets after the 35th over in space of seven balls losing Warner, Finch and captain Steve Smith (03), Peter Handscomb furthered the innings with a purpouseful 30 ball 43.

In reply India managed a decent start with Rahane and Rohit putting up a century partnership, but the innings fell short of the demanding total.Latter order Dhoni (13) and Manish Pandey (33) failed to produce the impetus as Indians ended making up just 313 for 8 in the end.(UNI)