GWALIOR, India, 27 October 2003 — Venkatsai Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar cracked solid centuries to set up India’s 37-run win over world champions Australia in the triangular one-day series here yesterday.
Middle-order batsman Laxman hit 102 and opener Tendulkar 100 as India cashed in on an understrength Australian pace attack to post 283-5 after electing to bat on a flat pitch in the day-night game.
Australia finished at 246-9 after a bright 132-run start in their first match against India since their World Cup final triumph over the same opponents in South Africa early this year.
This was India’s first win in two matches, having shared points with New Zealand in the rain-hit opener at Madras on Thursday. Australia were playing their first match.
Leg-spinner Anil Kumble (2-28) and left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan (3-49) triggered the Australian collapse that saw the tourists lose the first four wickets in a space of nine runs.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist (83) had led the strong Australian reply with a century stand with Matthew Hayden (47), but his dismissal in the 25th over turned out to be the beginning of the end.
Gilchrist had struck eight fours in his 34th half-century before being bowled while trying to heave Zaheer over mid-wicket.
