JOIN USPut into bat, Australia lost wickets just when partnerships were about to bloom and it was because of Rob Quiney’s run-a-ball 55 and James Faulkner’s gutsy 38 that the hosts reached 176 before collapsing in 47 overs.
For India, Amit Mishra and captain S Badrinath returned two scalps each. With Rahane (61 off 59 balls) and Kohli (51 off 38 balls) providing the perfect start to the chase, India cruised to 176 for five in 27.5 overs for a facile win.
India got off to a rollicking start as Rahane and Kohli put on 103 runs in 14-odd overs without any hiccup.
Australia finally drew first blood in the 15th over when Kohli departed, triggering a mini-collapse as India suddenly slumped from the comfort of 103 for no loss to 151 for five inside 24 overs.
India, however, were in sight of the win that stood just 26 runs away. Abhishek Nayar (17) and Wriddhiman Saha (10) took the responsibility to see the side through.
Brief score: AIS: 176 all out in 47 overs (Rob Quiney 55, James Faulkner 38; Amit Mishra 2-21, S Badrinath 2-13) lt to India: 177/5 in 27.5 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 61, Virat Kohli 51; Chris Duval 3-49).