Australia withstood a spirited Indian run-chase to win the tri-series cricket match by 61 runs in Bangalore.

Australia's 2-347 meant India had to smash the record for the biggest pursuit in limited overs history to win and with Sachin Tendulkar in blistering form, the unlikely target looked reachable.

But Ian Harvey made the crucial breakthrough to bowl Tendulkar for 89 halfway through the innings and despite quickfire cameos from captain Sourav Ganguly (37) and Rahul Dravid (34), India finished on 8-286.

Australia's win was its fifth from six pool matches and six days out from the final in Calcutta, the top order found form brilliantly.

Adam Gilchrist (111) and Ricky Ponting (108 not out) smashed hundreds as Australia piled up its third-highest score after Ponting won the toss and batted on a belter.

In a team innings eerily reminiscent of the World Cup final at Johannesburg, Gilchrist and opening partner Matthew Hayden (44) got Australia off to a flyer before Ponting put on a hitting display.

The openers' eighth century stand came from just 79 balls, but that paled in comparison as Ponting and Damien Martyn smashed 149 off 98 balls at the end.

Ponting hit seven sixes and blasted 58 off the last 33 deliveries he faced, while Martyn hit a classy 61 not out from just 50 balls.

In two massive blunders, Dravid gave lives to both of Australia's century-makers.

Making India pay for its reluctance to play a specialist keeper, Dravid grassed a difficult chance off Gilchrist when he was 15 and missed a chance to stump Ponting when the Australian skipper was on 29.

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© 2003 AAP

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