It turned out to be an intriguing tale of two skippers and their left-handed deputies involved in a fascinating tug-of-war to capture the third one-dayer and the series lead at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Saturday.

Eventually, the combination of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh proved better equipped to handle the challenging conditions, coming out of the contest with a 148-run partnership and a six-wicket win over Australia after pacing a tricky chase to perfection. The visitors had posted 229 on a Kotla pitch that played slow and low, a total they reached thanks mainly to Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey’s efforts with the bat. But while India looked in trouble at one point, once Dhoni and Yuvraj settled down, there was always only going to be one winner.

Physically and mentally drained from their efforts under lights, India got through with 10 balls to spare and will take a 2-1 lead to Mohali, where the fourth ODI will be played on Monday.

The duo got together when India were reduced to 53 for three. Sachin Tendulkar had laid the bricks with a brisk 32 before a direct throw from Mitchell Johnson beat him from mid-off. Virender Sehwag had already departed, while Gautam Gambhir failed to pick Nathan Hauritz’s first delivery, bringing Yuvraj and Dhoni at the crease.

They first rebuilt the innings before pushing on, on a pitch that was scrambled with spike marks as the day wore on.

They did not rush matters at any stage, but kept the required rate under control — leaving their batting powerplay for the last five overs. They also kept things simple, playing straight most of the time and using the horizontal bat only for emergencies. Yuvraj outscored the captain, finishing with a 96-ball 78 with eight boundaries and two sixes, while Dhoni remained unbeaten on 71.

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