Faulkner's heroics helps Australia win third ODI

James Faulkner clubbed Ishant Sharma for four sixes and a four in the 48th over to help Australia beat India by four wickets in the third ODI in Mohali on Saturday.

India looked comfortable for the most part in their defence of a mammoth 304-run target set earlier in the day. But Faulkner's theatrics in the 48th over, left them in a spot of bother.

Australia needed 44 off 18 balls when Ishant was given the ball, but Faulkner's onslaught reduced the deficit to 14 from two overs, as he single-handedly swung the momentum Australia's way.

Faulkner smashed Ishant's first ball, over extra cover, for four. The second, a short ball, was hoisted for six. The third, a length ball, was hit over the sightscreen. The fourth was a sedate-two to deep square leg. The fifth, another short ball, was hooked for six and the sixth ball, also short, got similar treatment and sailed over the ropes.

The sensational late turnaround of Australia's fortunes left India gobsmacked. The good-work done by the captain MS Dhoni - who scored 139 from 121 balls - and a tight spell of bowling by Ravindra Jadeja, was undone by some crisp hitting from Australia's tail.

Faulkner ended with an unbeaten 64 from 29 balls and he was ably supported by Adam Voges, also unbeaten, on 79.

"I did think, and Adam didn't think, we could get hold of a spinner bowling to the long boundary with the carom-ball," Faulkner said. "I thought the only way to win the game was try and take the medium pacers down from the other end. I thought that was our only chance to be honest."

"It was a very good innings from Voges. He struggled earlier in his innings but to bat all the way through, and give me some support when I was struggling, was an added bonus. There's always going to be pressure, it's just about if you can execute or not."

Dhoni said that though his side was disappointed with the loss, the key to succeeding in such games was to be as disciplined as possible. "What we have seen is, on a particular day, few bowlers may have an off day and we have to make sure you're not giving away too many runs. In this series you'll see the balance shifting and the better bowlers, when they are going through a bad spell, will make sure they don't give away too many runs."