Canberra : Opener Shikhar Dhawan and star batsman Virat Kohli’s centuries went in vain as India suffered their fourth consecutive defeat by 25 runs at the hands of world champions Australia in the fourth ODI here at Manuka Oval on Wednesday.
In reply to the Australia’s score of 348-8, India were bundled out for 323 runs despite brilliant efforts by Kohli (106) and Dhawan (126).
At one India stage, the visitors were crushing to an emphatic win at 276-1, but they lost their way and lost nine wickets for 46 runs.
Although opener Rohit Sharma (41) and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten at 24) also provided some resistance to his side, but besides them none of the batsmen managed to reach the double figures.
Kane Richardson was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he bagged five wickets.
Richardson was well supported by John Hastings and Mitchell Marsh who bagged two wickets each, while Nathan Lyon also chipped in with a wicket.
Richardson was also adjourned `Man of the match` for his brilliant performance with the ball.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Australia posted a massive target of 349 runs, thanks to opener Aaron Finch’s 107 off 107 balls and David Warner’s significant 93.
Skipper Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell also scored 51 and 41 respectively to take the hosts to the monstrous total.
Australia had already clinched the ODI series following their three-wicket win against India in the third match in Melbourne. They have now taken an unassailable four-nil lead in the five-match series.
The two sides will now play their fifth and final ODI in Sydney on Saturday before heading the three-match T20 series, starting from January 26. (ANI)