Favorites Australia knocked Asia's last hope India out of the Champions Trophy with a six-wicket win in Mohali on Sunday to take their place in the semi-finals.
Veteran Glenn McGrath claimed 2-34 from 10 overs as India were restricted to 249-8 after electing to bat, despite half-centuries from Virender Sehwag (65) and captain Rahul Dravid (52).
The world champions cruised past the target in the 46th over of the day-night international with opener Shane Watson making 50, skipper Ricky Ponting 58 and Damien Martyn an unbeaten 73.
PHOTO: AFP
Australia topped group A ahead of the West Indies on net run-rate and will clash with trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in the first semi-final in Mohali tomorrow.
Group B champions South Africa will meet holders West Indies in the second semi-final in Jaipur on Thursday.
India's defeat meant none of the Asian teams made it to the semi-finals of a major International Cricket Council event for the first time since the inaugural World Cup in 1975.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka were also beaten in the league stage and Bangladesh failed to get past the qualifying round despite the tournament being held in familiar sub-continental conditions.
"It looked an easy win but it was not so easy," Ponting said. "Credit must go to the bowlers who kept the Indians in check on what was a very good wicket. We know the conditions here and are well-prepared for the semi-final. I don't forsee many changes for that game."
Dravid said the failure to reach the semi-finals was a "big let down" for the hosts.
"Nothing is satisfying when you lose. We did not play well. We needed early breaks but they got a very good start. This has been a very disappointing tournament for us," Dravid said.
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