James Hopes was inconsolable. His maiden one-day fifty could have been worth a century, even more from Australia’s point of view. But that feeble hit to short mid-wicket off Irfan Pathan’s bowling dashed it all. Chasing 258, needing 13 off the last six balls, Australia managed just 249 with two balls remaining. As the victorious Team India burst into celebrations, the tiring tournament ended in Brisbane itself.

For all the controversies that masked some classic cricket action on this tour, the Gabba pitch allowed a platform to put it back on stage. It was a thrilling capsule under lights, one that could have gone either way.

The way the Indian batsmen played the last 10 overs was way down from the great start provided by Sachin Tendulkar’s 91. And Australia’s rally later in the innings made for a sizzling chase, through some great swing bowling by Man of the Match Praveen Kumar.

Hopes was the last man out on an 80-ball 63 (with four boundaries and a six in the penultimate over off Sreesanth). He tried to carry on the good work of Matthew Hayden (who hit his 36th ODI half-century earlier) in a fourth-wicket partnership of 89 with Andrew Symonds.

Harbhajan in the mix

Harbhajan Singh, the man of the tournament for several reasons, was once again in the focus when he collected a throw from Yuvraj to dislodge the bails with Hayden still short of his crease.

Two balls later, the wily off-spinner foxed Symonds plumb in front with a quicker delivery and Australia were 123 for 5.

... contd.