Indian eves win by 88 runs

Indian eves on Tuesday scored a morale boosting 88-run victory in the inconsequential seventh and final one-day cricket match against Australia, who have rounded off their visit with a 4-3 series win.

Needing 166 for a win, the Aussies were bowled out for 77 in 36.4 overs. Medium pacers Amita Sharma (3/21) and Nooshin-al-Khadeer (3/14) while spinners Varsha Raphael (2/14) and Neetu David (1/14) helped the cause.

The win should augur well for India, as the series against Australia, former world champions and one of the leading teams in the world, was considered a preparation for the World Cup, scheduled in March.

Also Read Mithali stars in India's win

Earlier, electing to bat, Indian openers Anju Jain (39-3x4) and Monica Sumra (25/4x4) laid a solid foundation, making 74 for the opening wicket. But the hosts failed to make good use of it and lost wickets at quick intervals before the sixth wicket pair brought about some respectability.

Hemalata Kala (33-3x4) and Amita Sharma (20) added 42 runs for the sixth wicket. For Australia, new ball bowler Cathryn Fitzpatric (4/25) and off-spinner, Lisa Sathalekar (2/27) of Indian origin from Pune, were the main wicket takers.

In reply, Australia, who lost eight wickets for mere 49 runs, managed to only delay Indian win through Julie Hayes (22), who was the last to exit and Clea Smith (11), as they added 26 runs in 10.1 overs for the ninth wicket.