A tense two-wicket win for the hosts in the dead rubber gives the crowd plenty to cheer about as Kartik and Zaheer embrace mid-pitch. Australia have already won the series and India can take some pleasure from this match. Kartik was the hero with the ball, picking up a career-best 6 for 27 as India nipped out the last eight wickets for 76 runs and keeping Australia to 193 in 41.3 overs.
In reply Australia were excellent with the new ball, hitting all the right areas and swinging out the big names. Uthappa was upto the challenge, however, keeping things in check with a classy 47 before Kartik and Zaheer held their nerve to seal the deal in 46 overs. They added 52 in 10.2 overs.
A dramatic win, yes, but India have plenty to do ahead of their full series against Pakistan coming up soon. Australia take the Future Cup 4-2. They won playing aggressive, professional cricket, something India lacked in patches.
Kartik says "having a bit of fun" was key to the partnership with Zaheer. Stay with us for the post-match presentation shortly.
Dhoni comes up first: "We never started the series well so we wanted to end well ... it was a team effort ... the batsmen failed but full credit to Uthappa, Zaheer and Kartik ... it was a gamble calling up Kartik but its one that paid off and I'm proud of him ... this is a team victory."
Not hard to predict the Man of the Match - its Kartik for his six wickets and unbeaten 21 to help steer India home. Big cheers for him. He had the best figures for an Indian against Australia. "It was a great effort at the end of the day ... by God's grace it worked out well for me ... there was some spin and I had to mix it up ... its the best I've bowled in a match ... figure-wise, this would be the best ... we had some fun batting out there ... cracking jokes helped us through ... and yes, I did nick one through to the keeper (big smile)!"
Symonds is the Man of the Series: "Its a team game ... we had three first-ballers today and we were beyond the eight-ball ... I'm really proud of the way the groups played in India ... well done, boys ... most importantly its been important to win in India."
Ponting comes up last: "We fought really hard with ball but didnt have enough runs ... always hard defending that score ... Murali's just admitted he nicked that one but it would've been nice if he'd walked (grins) ... congratulations to India ... we've won this series and now look forward to the Twenty20."
Cheers as Ponting accepts the Future Cup. BCCI president Sharad Pawar hands it over and quickly makes his exit. (Remember the ICC Champions Trophy final?) The Australians all come together for an album picture.
Well thats all we have for you, folks. Thanks for tuning into Cricinfo once again and its been a pleasure bringing you the commentary all series. Do join us for the Twenty20 fixture between these two sides from the Brabourne Stadium on October 20. Its a 19:00 local, 13:30 GMT start that day.
This is Jamie Alter, your commentator, signing off. Cheers!