India create History, beats Australia to win the CB Tri-Series

A dream came true for Team India and millions of cricket fans in the country! India finally managed to break the Australian dominance in ODI cricket and won two successive finals to claim the Commonwealth Bank Tri-series trophy. It could be recalled that India had never won the coveted tri-series trophy in Australia, which is considered as the Mini World Cup, though it features only three teams.

The entire country erupted in joy, as India registered a 9-run victory over "mighty" Australia in the second final of the tri-series in Brisbane. Chasing a victory target of 259, Australia lost three quick wickets with just 32 runs on board, thanks to a deadly spell by pacer Praveen Kumar. However, later Hayden and Symonds built up the Australian innings.

Just when Australia looked solid, Harbhajan returned and removed both Hayden and Symonds in one over. While Hayden was run out for 55, Symonds was adjudged leg before for 42. There was no looking back for the Indians and they pounced on the Kangaroos like tigers. The Aussies fought hard, but could manage only 249 runs in 49.4 overs.



James Hopes fought till the end, and was the last man to be out on 63. Hussey scored 44. For India, Praveen Kumar took 4 wickets, while Pathan and Sreesanth took 2 wickets each. It was an exciting finish and India won the "Best of Three" finals 2-0. Arrogant Ricky Ponting was right in predicting that there will be no third final in the series. And, it went straight on his face.

Sachin Tendulkar, who led from the front in both finals and scored a majestic knock of 91 in this match, set an example for the young team. Praveen Kumar, who took 4 wickets, was declared "Man of the Match". Nathan Bracken was declared "Man of the Series". Arrogance never triumphs. The Australians were beaten in the den, just because they never respected the opposition, taunted them, used unfair tricks and did not play in the right spirit of the game. They got what they deserved.....