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Tendulkar ton steers India to victory

A historic Sachin Tendulkar century ensured India claimed first blood in the tri-series finals with a stunning six-wicket win over Australia at the SCG yesterday.

With Tendulkar making an unbeaten 117 from 120 balls and youngster Rohit Sharma offering wonderful support, India made 242 for six in 45.5 overs in reply to the home side's 239 for eight to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three finals.

Criticized for not batting well in run chases recently, Tendulkar had a point to prove and did it emphatically, placing the ball exquisitely to score his first one-day international century in 39 matches in Australia, and 42nd overall, to lead his side to victory.

He and Robin Uthappa (17) set the foundation with India's highest opening partnership of the series in putting on 50, but India then wobbled in the chase, slipping to 87 for three when Yuvraj Singh again fell cheaply.

However, Tendulkar looked in total command and joined with Sharma to put on 123 and take the game away from the Australians.

Tendulkar brought up his hundred with an easy single off James Hopes, having faced only 106 deliveries and hit eight boundaries.

Sharma fell the very next ball, bowled by Hopes (2-42) for a fine 66 from 87 balls, but it was academic, with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Tendulkar guiding their side home.

■ PROTEAS POISED FOR WIN

AFP, CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH

Bangladesh were staring at a huge defeat after yet another disappointing batting performance on the third day of the second and final Test against South Africa yesterday.

Up against South Africa's mammoth first innings total of 583-7, Bangladesh were bundled out for 259 to concede a 324-run lead to the visitors.

Following on, the hosts were reeling at 54-5 to set the stage for South Africa to complete a 2-0 series whitewash.

Mushfiqur Rahim was batting on four while Abdur Razzak was yet to open his account when stumps were drawn for the day.

South African speedster Dale Steyn once again provided the vital breakthroughs, picking up three of the five wickets to fall in the second innings while left-arm spinner Robin Peterson took the other two.
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