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Live Reporting

Mark Mitchener and James Gheerbrant

All times stated are UK

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  1. Looking to the final

    So, with India bowing out - here's Stephan's match report from the SCG for you to read - we have an "Anzac Final" with co-hosts Australia and New Zealand meeting in the final at the MCG on Sunday. Should be a cracker.

    As the UK clocks go forward on Sunday morning, while (like today) the game starts at 2.30pm local Melbourne time, it's an 04:30 BST start (or 03:30 GMT if you forget to change your clocks).

    Test Match Special will be on air from 04:15, but we'll be coming off the long run to bring you all the build-up from around 03:30 - we hope you'll join us then.

    Until then, as ever, enjoy the rest of your day. See you Sunday.

  2. Captain's view

    Australia captain Michael Clarke on Mitchell Johnson: "Mitch is Mitch. He probably hasn't had the standout tournament everybody expecting, but he's done the job for this team. I couldn't be prouder of our bowling unit.

    "You've seen in the last few games that we have improved since Auckland. We don't need to talk about it any more. Myself and Boof [coach Darren Lehmann] have watched every game. We know they are at the top of their game."

    Is promoting Steve Smith to number three the best call you've made?

    "I thought that review was pretty good."

    Michael Clarke and Steve Smith
  3. Captain's view

    Australia captain Michael Clarke at the post-match news conference: "I think the fact that the conditions are different in the final will help us. They will be different to what New Zealand have been playing in. We will have to play our best cricket because they have been the form team.

    "It doesn't matter to us who we were going to play in the final. Our priority was to get into the final. There's always that great rivalry, the fact that the two hosting nations are in the final is extremely special."

  4. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    India legend Sachin Tendulkar: Well played in the ICC World Cup Team India. A tough game today and a loss is always difficult to handle. But you have played some terrific cricket throughout and all the fans have enjoyed watching you. Congratulations to Australia for a convincing win. Steve Smith's hundred, Finch's support to him and a strong finish by Johnson made the difference.

  5. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Al, Cambridge: I liked Shaakir's pithy contribution earlier re: the best batting sides going home to leave the best bowling sides in the final. The difference is rather that NZ and Oz not only bowl beautifully but can also virtually match SA and India with equally impressive batting, fielding and arguably better captaincy.

  6. Post update

    If you didn't see the vote earlier, we asked you at the interval whether Australia or India would win. 56.3% of you went with Australia - thanks to all of you who voted.

  7. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Sydney

    "I wish I knew Hindi, Dhoni is cracking jokes that have the Indian press creased up."

    MS Dhoni
  8. Captain's view

    More from India captain MS Dhoni: "The World Cup doesn't belong to anyone. We took it from someone and someone will take it from us. In any international sport, you have to be at your best, otherwise the cup gets shared."

  9. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Sydney

    "Dhoni's cracking jokes now, poking fun at the infamously stubborn India media manager Dr Baba. "I keep telling him that if you're a popular media manager, you're doing a bad job."

    He also says 'We've been here for four months, 20 days longer and we can apply for citizenship'. I'm getting an insight into how Dhoni has done the impossible job for so long - he's incredibly charismatic."

  10. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Nigel, Leeds: No idea how Australia have gone from cricketing also-rans a couple of years ago back to the best in the world so quickly but England are going to be humiliated by them this summer in the Ashes series. I reckon they are one decent spinner away from a virtually unbeatable side in all formats. Scary stuff.

  11. Captain's view

    India captain MS Dhoni on why he left the victory charge so late...

    "It's a difficult one. Our lower order has not been able to contribute. If you start too early and lose a wicket, we might have been out for 150. Maybe we left it too late."

  12. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara: Aus too strong overall. Steve smith keeps on going. It was always tough for India unless Virat stayed in. Will be a cracker of a final.

  13. Captain's view

    More from India captain MS Dhoni at the post-match news conference: "Everybody rose up to the occasion. I'm disappointed we couldn't go to the final, but they played better cricket on the day.

    "On my future? The media should do nice research on that. Take a couple of days. Whatever you decide, the truth will be the complete opposite.

    "My legacy doesn't matter. What's important is to contribute to winning. I've been part of series where I haven't had to bat. It's more important for newcomers to come in and bat at five or six.

    "What people think about me doesn't matter. I play for the enjoyment of the game. The day I pack my bags, I'll be happy on my bike."

  14. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Sydney

    "By far the biggest collection of journalists I've seen gathered at this tournament, all waiting for MS Dhoni."

    Journalists wait for MS Dhoni
  15. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    OptaJim: 96 - Australia and England have now won the same number of World Cup matches across cricket, football and rugby union (96). Rivals.

  16. Review of the day

    We began the day with Australia winning what we all thought would be an important toss - and Aaron Finch (81) and Steve Smith (105) duly batted them into a commanding position at 197-1 after 34 overs.

    While India then took regular wickets to dampen any hopes of a score of 400 or more, a late burst of 27 not out from nine balls from Mitchell Johnson helped the co-hosts post 328-7.

    Shikhar Dhawan got India off to a decent start with a rapid 45, but they needed a big innings from someone - and as Rohit Sharma (34) and Ajinkya Rahane (44) both fell, the hopes rested on captain MS Dhoni.

    As the run rate spiralled, Dhoni was run out for 65 with nearly 100 still needed - and with his departure, the game was up for the defending champions.

    Glenn Maxwell of Australia celebrates after Mitchell Starc of Australia took the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane of India during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between Australia and India
  17. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Tom Agass: Australia are looking unbeatable. In supreme form and have the added drive of devoting a victory to the late Phil Hughes.

  18. Gibson rejoins England as bowling coach

    A bit of breaking news from the ECB - England have reappointedOttis Gibson as their fast bowling coach for the upcoming Test series against West Indies.

    Gibson, you may remember, was previously in that role with England from 2007 (when he retired from playing for Durham) until 2010 (when he took over as West Indies head coach).

    He replaces David Saker, bowling coach since 2010, who (it was recently revealed) will be joining Big Bash franchise Melbourne Renegades as head coach. The ECB say there has been no decision yet on Saker's long-term replacement.

    So, Gibson was replaced by Saker, who has himself been replaced by... Gibson. At least for now.

  19. Captain's view

    Australia captain Michael Clarke: "I feel really excited. Smithy was exceptional once again, and I was really proud of the execution of our bowlers. Huge congratulations to MS Dhoni and his team, I think they've competed really well in this World Cup. I'm pretty sure it won't be his last World Cup, he's got a lot of cricket left in him.

    "Our preparation has been outstanding, losing to New Zealand really gave us a kick up the backside. Mentally I think the guys are ready to walk into the final. New Zealand have been playing some great cricket, Brendon [McCullum] has done a great job."

    Australian players celebrate winning
  20. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    On Sunday's final between New Zealand and Australia:

    "The toss is crucial at the MCG and batting first. The teams batting first get the big score and pretty much end the game. It looks set for a good day, the weather will be fine. New Zealand and Australia are the best two teams in the tournament. I still think New Zealand will win this World Cup."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  21. Captain's view

    India captain MS Dhoni: "Overall Australia played very good cricket. Over 300 is a very big score to chase, but I thought it was just over par. I felt the fast bowlers would have done slightly better. A lot of people didn't think we would get this far in the tournament, but in the knockout stages you have to raise your game.

    "Shikhar Dhawan was batting freely, he didn't need to play the big shot. It was too many for me to chase. Our lower order really needs to work hard on their batting. I'm not sure whether it will be my last World Cup."

  22. Post update

    A nice handshake between captains Dhoni and Clarke as they wait to talk to television MC Mark Nicholas. It was a clash of the titans today - but even the most diehard Indian fan must surely concede that Australia were the better side.

  23. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I didn't get Dhoni's innings today. He never sent the message he was really going for it. He hit those two sixes from Watson but he should have done that earlier. Dhoni didn't even dive for the run-out. He almost quit."

  24. Man of the match

    More from man of the match Steve Smith on TMS: "It is nice to score a few runs. It was a good track. I was able to get myself in and build a platform for the end. Mitch Johnson was important to get us a total.

    "They started quite well but never really got away from us. Once we got the first wicket we were away. We have match-winners and they were able to do there stuff today. It was a great atmosphere."

    On the final: "We said we want to be playing our best cricket at the end of the tournament. I don't think we've put a full game together yet so hopefully we will do that for the final."

  25. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Smith was outstanding today, he didn't break sweat and made the most of it. Cricket is played mostly in the mind, he's got a good cricket brain and reads the game well - he's got a couple of nice off-drives which he didn't have a year or two ago."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  26. Text 81111

    Nick Brett: On a day where the Indian spin bowlers went for around five an over, Australia's only spin bowler used five overs. Great credit for the pace attack, Hazlewood and Starc are ones to watch.

    Andrew, Richhill: What a final we have in prospect at the MCG. The two host countries, the two pre-tournament favourites and the two form one-day teams going head-to-head for the big prize. Can't wait!

  27. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Shaakir: The two best bowling teams are in the final, while the two best batting teams are heading home. Who said cricket is a batsman's game?

    Ilyas Najib: For the first time since 1987 there's no Asian team in the World Cup final, is there a power shift in world cricket? I think so. For all the IPLs, the double centuries, the year round cricket, it's an end of an era for India.

  28. Post update

    Gerard Whateley

    BBC Test Match Special

    "For such a gilt-edged final, I'd think it'll be a 100,000 sell-out at the MCG and the Melbourne public will be swinging from the rafters. They're putting extra planes on from New Zealand."

  29. Man of the match

    Australia batsman Steve Smith: "We thought 330 was around par, we knew we had to bowl and field well and the boys did a great job so roll on Melbourne. It's nice to contribute to a few wins. Me and Maxy were sure that Rahane hit that ball, so we went for the review.

    "It's going to be an amazing moment to play a World Cup final against New Zealand - they've played some very good cricket. I hope I have more runs in the bank - a big hundred would be nice."

    Steve Smith
  30. Man of the match

    Steve Smith is named as man of the match for his 105 from 93 balls (and an excellent run-out being the icing on the cake).

  31. Post update

    The scorecard will make it look as though this was a fairly straightforward win for the men in canary yellow - but while MS Dhoni was there, India still believed. When he was run out, their candle was extinguished under the Sydney sky.

  32. Final scorecard

    India 233 all out from 46.5 overs (target 329)

    Fall of wickets: 76-1 (Dhawan 45), 78-2 (Kohli 1), 91-3 (Rohit 34), 108-4 (Raina 7), 178-5 (Rahane 44), 208-6 (Jadeja 16), 231-7 (Dhoni 65), 232-8 (Ashwin 5), 232-9 (Mohit 0), 233-10 (Yadav 0)

    Not out batsman: Shami 1

    Bowling figures: Starc 8.5-0-28-2, Hazlewood 10-1-41-1, Johnson 10-0-50-2, Faulkner 9-0-59-3, Maxwell 5-0-18-0, Watson 4-0-29-0

    Australia 328-7: Smith 105, Finch 81, Yadav 4-72, Mohit 2-75

    Australia won toss

    Scorecard

  33. Post update

    So, the defending champions have been unceremoniously dethroned. And the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday will feature the two co-hosts - Australia and New Zealand.

    Curiously, a win for Australia in the final would make them only the second country to lift the World Cup on home soil, after India in 2011.

    And if New Zealand win, they'd be the second team after Sri Lanka in 1996 to win a World Cup as co-hosts, but playing the final in another country.

    Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson of Australia wave to the crowd
  34. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Australia might have thought they were 20 or 30 short, but 328 has proven to be a very good score. The bowling and fielding for Australia was very good. It's a comprehensive win, a very professional performance."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

    Australia celebrate
  35. Champagne moment

    AUSTRALIA BEAT INDIA BY 95 RUNS TO REACH WORLD CUP FINAL

  36. Post update

    Gerard Whateley

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Australia's dominance over India extends to the final day. Australia will meet New Zealand in the final in what is shaping up as one of the great days of Antipodean sport."

  37. WICKET

    Yadav b Starc 0 (Ind 233 all out)

    After teasing Yadav with a couple of deliveries, Starc ends the game by shattering the big paceman's stumps. And the fireworks start erupting over Sydney...

    Starc strikes
  38. Post update

    Gerard Whateley

    BBC Test Match Special

    "There was a bit of venom in that. He turned his head away from that, which is a dangerous thing to do. There is no mercy being shown by Mitchell Starc."

  39. Ouch!

    Ind 233-9

    Shami, having lost two partners from successive deliveries, swipes Starc for a single to third man. Starc shows no mercy to Yadav, hitting the big paceman on the chin with a bouncer, and there's even a spot of blood via his helmet grille.

    Umesh Yadav of India checks his face after being hit by Mitchell Starc
  40. Ind 232-9

    Yadav digs out a yorker to survive the hat-trick ball.

    Theoretically, India need 97 from 24 balls to win. Not even hitting every ball for four would do it.

  41. Post update

    India are heading for the gallows here. Last man Umesh Yadav lopes to the wicket. Australia bring nearly everyone up into the slips.

  42. Post update

    Gerard Whateley

    BBC Test Match Special

    "James Faulkner clearly has a mind to finish it here."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  43. WICKET

    Mohit Sharma b Faulkner 0 (Ind 232-9)

    Mohit Sharma is bowled first ball! Faulkner on a hat-trick!

    Mohi Sharma is bowled
  44. WICKET

    Ashwin b Faulkner 5 (Ind 232-8)

    Ashwin can't connect with a couple of shorter deliveries from Faulkner, before missing a straight one when he gives himself room.

    The game is clearly up for India, but interestingly, Faulkner is rushing back to his mark between deliveries. Do they fear an over-rate fine?

    Ravichandran Ashwin of India is bowled
  45. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Sydney

    "Dhoni goes, cue the biggest exodus since Moses led his people out of Egypt. Where once was a sea of blue shirts is now swathes of empty seats."

  46. Ind 232-7 (target 329)

    Mohammed Shami is the new batsman - just the three fast bowlers to come in now - and it's as if a weight has been lifted off Australia's shoulders.

    Ashwin pushes a single, and for those of you on Fantasy Island, India need 97 from 30 balls to win. All they need is to sneak AB de Villiers onto the pitch in a Mohammed Shami mask. Or Superman - the effect is much the same.

  47. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "It looked as if Dhoni made no real effort to make his ground. If he'd dived full length he would have made it. A strange end to a strange innings - Dhoni threatened much but never delivered. That has to be curtains for India."

  48. WICKET

    Dhoni run out (Maxwell direct hit) 65 (Ind 231-7)

    All over? Dhoni gone in bizarre circumstances, as he hits the ball to mid-wicket, where Glenn Maxwell has only one stump to aim at, and Dhoni seemingly slows up as he approaches the bowler's end - as if knowing he would be run out and have no chance if the throw hit. Which it did. Game over? Time for the fat lady to start warming up her vocal cords?

    Glenn Maxwell of Australia celebrates
  49. Ind 231-6

    Mitchell Starc to bowl, with three left - will he send down overs 45, 47 and 49? Again, if Dhoni has a strategy, it may be to keep his powder dry for the lesser bowlers at the other end. India get a bonus run, and a bonus delivery, as a high, wide full toss is called a no-ball for height as it was above Ashwin's waist.

  50. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Alice Stainer: Feeling a bit frustrated by India. Don't feel they are gunning for it enough. Somebody light their touchpaper, quick!

  51. Ind 228-6 (target 329)

    With the required rate up to 16, Dhoni seems reluctant to throw the kitchen sink at Johnson - again, three more singles mean it's five from the over. Johnson is done for the day with 2-50 from his 10.

    India need 101 from 36 balls - six of which will probably come from Watson, 12 from Faulkner, and 18 from Starc.

  52. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Faulkner has two overs remaining, and India will have their eye on him. Dhoni will be thinking he might be vulnerable."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  53. Ind 225-6

    An interesting question - when should Australia use their remaining "part-time" over? Allan Border seems to agree with the theory that you can leave it until the 50th, in the hope that India could need 28 by then - and I think I concur. Johnson will finish his spell, and India can only manage two singles off the first three balls. 104 from 39 is the target.

  54. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Taurai Mukahlera: That's settled! Man-of-the-match, Steven Smith. Unless MSD can hit the universe's most sensational ton

  55. Ind 223-6 (target 329)

    A low full toss is bludgeoned for one. Ashwin has to look for a single to get his skipper on strike, and an uppercut to third man does so with one ball left. And a single ensures Dhoni will face the next over with 106 needed from 42 balls.

  56. Dhoni 50

    Ind 220-6

    Safe to say, Dhoni is going for it - bringing up his fifty by smacking Watson's first ball over cover for six! Next ball, six more over long-off!

    121 needed from 48 balls has become 109 from 46. Don't go away...

    MS Dhoni
  57. Post update

    Nitin Srivastava

    BBC Hindi in Sydney

    "Dejected India fans at the SCG feeling their batsmen are throwing away their precious wickets."

    India fans
  58. Post update

    Australia are going to sneak through one of those part-time overs - Shane Watson to bowl.

  59. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Prayags: Those 30 odd runs by Johnson at end of innings are proving to be decisive

    Kudakwashe Chitanga: It's not go big or go home time but we are fast approaching that time. Dhoni needs to erupt soon

    Disco Stu: Don't go out on your knees. Have a go, if you're bowled at in the 43rd so be it

  60. Ind 208-6 (target 329)

    Ravichandran Ashwin is a man who can frustrate you with the bat at Test level by hanging around, but can he play a match-winning support act to his captain? India will need 121 runs from 48 balls.

  61. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Steve Smith has had a really good day. He only had two stumps to aim at. It's difficult to see where India go now."

  62. WICKET

    Jadeja run out (Smith direct hit) 16 (Ind 208-6)

    A direct hit from man-of-the-match contender Steve Smith at backward point, and Jadeja is on his way.

    Steve Smith celebrates
  63. Umpire review

    Dhoni goes for a quick single, but Australia think they've run out Jadeja at the striker's end...

    Ravindra Jadeja is run out for 16 runs
  64. Ind 208-5

    The dark destroyer returns to the attack - can India take on Mitchell Johnson? They know they'll still have two overs of part-timers Maxwell or Watson to face at some point - it'll be interesting to see when Clarke turns to them. In the meantime, they've got to get after the front-line bowlers too. The target is down to 121 from 50 balls.

  65. Text 81111

    Tattz in Nottingham: Dhoni is the keyholder for a place in the final for India. If he is still there with wickets in hand with 10 overs to go, I would back India. Regardless, hoping for a close tense finish again!

  66. Ind 204-5 (Hazlewood 10-1-41-1)

    After a couple of overs without a boundary, the India fans have the chance to wave their flags again as Jadeja slashes a four through backward point. Eight from the over, Hazlewood is bowled out, but eight's not enough when the required rate is spiralling towards 14... India need 125 from 54 balls.

  67. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Clarke was going back. It's usually the fielder coming in who takes it - I think it might have been David Warner's catch. but Clarke did get two hands to it."

  68. Dropped catch

    Hazlewood back for his last over - Dhoni goes for the pull shot, skies the ball over mid-wicket and is dropped by captain Michael Clarke of all people, getting both hands to it. Turning point? David Warner was running in from the boundary, but one of them had to go for it...

  69. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "I think Dhoni could show a bit more urgency in terms of trying to look for boundaries. It's very strange. What is he doing? Singles don't count right now."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  70. Scorecard update

    India 196-5 from 40 overs (target 329)

    Batsmen: Dhoni 42 from 49 balls (3x4), Jadeja 9 from 11 (1x4)

    Fall of wickets: 76-1 (Dhawan 45), 78-2 (Kohli 1), 91-3 (Rohit 34), 108-4 (Raina 7), 178-5 (Rahane 44)

    Bowling figures: Starc 7-0-23-1, Hazlewood 9-1-33-1, Johnson 8-0-41-2, Faulkner 7-0-55-1, Maxwell 5-0-18-0, Watson 3-0-14-0

    Australia 328-7: Smith 105, Finch 81, Yadav 4-72, Mohit 2-75

    Australia won toss

    Scorecard

  71. Ind 196-5 (Dhoni 42*, Jadeja 9*)

    Dhoni is going to have to put the hammer down at some point - we're approaching "go big, or go home" time, but even against Faulkner, he and Jadeja can only plunder two singles each.

    Strap yourselves in for the last 10 overs - India need 136 from 60 balls if they are not to relinquish their grip on the World Cup. In fact, they only need 135 to go through - as if it's a tie, India go through by virtue of a superior record in the group stage.

  72. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Antoine V: Sad to see India bowing out without a real fight.

    Louis Strong: Pretty faultless performance from the Aussies. Have a scooner fellas. Just don't play like this in summer please.

  73. Ind 192-5 (target 329)

    Leg byes keep the scoreboard ticking, and allow India to rotate their left-hand/right-hand combination, but they won't keep you in contention when you need more than 12 an over... Starc strays down the leg side and is helped away for four by Jadeja, that's only the second four he's conceded today. Starc has 1-23 from seven - India need 137 from 66 balls.

  74. How's stat?

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "Rahane is the first wicket India have lost in the batting powerplay in the tournament. They had scored 235 runs off 32 overs in the batting powerplay before that wicket."

  75. Ind 183-5

    So much rests on captain MS Dhoni now. Faulkner into his seventh over, but India can only add four singles to the score. They need 146 from 12 overs to stay in the tournament, with the required rate up above 12.

  76. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Sydney

    "When are India are up, it's carnival atmosphere. When they are down, it's a more traditional affair. That is exactly what's happening now. There are no flags, now whistles, no drums. The Aussies wait to cheer their next step on the road to the final."

    Australia celebrate
  77. Post update

    Kevin Pietersen

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Mitchell Starc really is bowling brilliantly at this World Cup. He's bowling fast, he's getting the new ball to swing, and he's getting the old ball to reverse. It's quite an intimidating prospect."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  78. Ind 179-5 (target 329)

    Left-hander Ravindra Jadeja is the new batsman, Starc fires one at his feet, it hits the pad and rebounds to Aaron Finch who's donned a helmet to stand at short leg and he's nearly run out first ball as Finch throws down the stumps. A single brings Dhoni on strike, but a leg glance is straight to the man at short fine leg. An excellent powerplay over - two runs, one wicket. 150 needed from 78 balls.

  79. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Niall McCaughan: Superb review there from Australia, that's why and how technology should be used in sport.

    Manny Singh Grewal: Wow, that just sums up India's batting today.

  80. WICKET

    Rahane c Haddin b Starc 44 (Ind 178-5)

    There's a little flicker on the snickometer. What does third umpire Mr Erasmus say? The man from South Africa says... out!

    Scorecard

    Ajinkya Rahane of India looks dejected
  81. Umpire review

    Australia rotate their trio of left-arm seamers - turning back to Mitchell Starc, who's been their star bowler at this tournament. Rahane gets a hint of a faint edge to the keeper, Haddin is sure there was a touch, and the Aussies decide to use their (unused) decision review...

    Australia's paceman Mitchell Starc walks towards his bowling mark to bowl against India
  82. Powerplay

    Ind 177-4 (target 329)

    Watson off, Faulkner on as the powerplay is signalled, Dhoni carefully steers a single to the cover sweeper, and Rahane flicks one to short fine leg. Dhoni executes a well-placed square cut for four, and a single means this stand is now worth 68. The target is 152 from 84 balls.

    While it won't rain, the fact that India are about 50 behind on the Duckworth-Lewis par score gives an indication that Australia are still on top. There have already been tears from Indian fans. But while there's life, there's hope?

  83. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "In the IPL, MS Dhoni has a knack of taking his team deeper, letting the rate get to 12 or 13 runs per over and then taking his side home. But it would be a good effort if he can do it on this stage at the SCG, against what Australia are going to throw at him."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  84. Ind 170-4 (Rahane 43*, Dhoni 29*)

    Clarke is standing as a wide slip for Johnson, while there are some grim faces in the India dressing-room area. Just three singles and a well-run two taken as Dhoni changes his mind about taking Johnson on with a big slog, and with 159 needed from 15 overs (90 balls), it's batting powerplay o'clock...

  85. Email tms@bbc.co.uk

    Nigel, Leeds: Opinion in the office this morning is India need to be within about 100 runs with 10 left to make this a contest.

  86. Post update

    We have a change of bails between overs. Perhaps these new flashing bails run out of battery as easily as modern smartphones do?

  87. Close!

    Ind 165-4 (target 329)

    Australia respond by putting fine leg back, opening up the bouncer option for Watson - Rahane gives him the charge again but can't connect. The right-hander has a big grin on his face as captain Dhoni comes down for a friendly word. Rahane executes a perfect Mahela Jayawardene-style tickle to third man for two, then skies a pull shot towards long leg... and again it falls safely, reaching Hazlewood on the bounce, to the frustration of captain Clarke.

  88. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Rakesh Pradhan: Aussie fifth and sixth bowlers are going to have to go. India desperately need some rope clearance shenanigans.

    Peter Archer: NZ won from similar position, four down when Anderson & Elliott came together. India can still do it.

  89. Ind 161-4

    Rahane comes down the wicket and smacks Watson for four over the top to bring up the fifty stand.

  90. Drinks break

    Ind 157-4

    Dhoni has to defend a short ball from the fiery Johnson, who now has 2-36 from seven overs. Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan on TMS is disappointed the SCG DJ hasn't yet played "Sweet Caroline", as Dhoni takes advantage of a drinks break to leave the field, presumably for a comfort break.

    India need 172 from 17 overs - the required rate is 10.11.

    The view
  91. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "Against this Australia attack, with the pace element, I just can't see how India can consistently strike a cricket ball for 179 runs off 108 balls. But India will have a go."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  92. Ind 156-4

    Australia preserve Hazlewood's last over and call on big, bad Mitchell Johnson for another spell. And it's like 2010-11 all over again as Johnson bowls to the left (or the right, depending on your perspective), slinging a wide out of Rahane's reach before another full delivery is swiped wide of slip for four.

  93. Post update

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "The most runs scored between overs 31 and 50 batting second in an ODI is 184 by Pakistan v Bangladesh at Mirpur in 2014 (Pakistan won by 3 wickets). India need 191 off the last 20 overs today."

  94. Ind 150-4 (target 329)

    Australia will know every Watson over here, is an over that needn't be bowled by Faulkner or Maxwell. Rahane, who's been a bit quiet lately, brings out the pull shot and it reaches deep mid-wicket on the first bounce as they run one. Dhoni nicks the strike as he moves to 25, one behind his partner.

  95. Scorecard update

    India 148-4 from 31 overs (target 329)

    Batsmen: Rahane 27 from 49 (no fours/sixes), Dhoni 24 from 25 (2x4)

    Fall of wickets: 76-1 (Dhawan 45), 78-2 (Kohli 1), 91-3 (Rohit 34), 108-4 (Raina 7)

    Bowling figures: Starc 5-0-15-0, Hazlewood 9-1-33-1, Johnson 6-0-29-2, Faulkner 5-0-44-1, Maxwell 5-0-18-0, Watson 1-0-4-0

    Australia 328-7: Smith 105, Finch 81, Yadav 4-72, Mohit 2-75

    Australia won toss

    Scorecard

  96. Ind 148-4 (Hazlewood 9-1-33-1)

    Dhoni is riding his luck a little here, another edge - this time a top edge - brings him four over the wicketkeeper's head. Hazlewood, fairly impressive today, has one over left. I suspect England fans might see him on the Ashes tour this summer.

  97. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Vickram Grewal: As always, India have left it to Dhoni to save the game and keep us in the World Cup.

    Rakesh Pradhan: This is the point where someone says nine an over is gettable in the IPL especially with MS Dhoni at the crease.

  98. Ind 142-4

    Dhoni sends umpire Dhamarsena toppling to the floor to preserve his own safety as he lashes Hazlewood over his head for four. I'm sure there are a few titters around the ground - just as there are at football whenever the referee takes a tumble.

    Umpire Kumar Dharmasena looks up from the ground
  99. Post update

    Harsha Bhogle

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Watson is not quite the sleekest automobile, so he takes a while to get going."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

  100. Ind 138-4 (target 329)

    Even the Indian fans in the crowd seem mostly becalmed as right-arm seamer Shane Watson comes on as Australia's sixth bowler - still walking back to his mark as though he's a hamstring injury waiting to happen. More medium-fast than fast-medium these days, Watson is playing at his fourth World Cup but keeps it tight, five from the over and the required rate will soon be in double figures.

  101. Ind 133-4 (Rahane 23*, Dhoni 14*)

    What did I just say about risk-free cricket? Australia look to turn the screw by recalling Josh Hazlewood - Dhoni swings at the young right-arm paceman, the ball flies off an edge and safely down to third man for two. But the India skipper can only collect a single off the rest of the over. he has 14 from 18 balls, Rahane has a more ponderous 23 from 44.

    Mahendra Dhoni
  102. Ind 130-4 (target 329)

    Vic Marks mentioned on TMS earlier how this World Cup had rather eliminated the usual middle-overs tedium because of the need to take wickets - but India are in risk-free rebuilding mode here, sticking to ones and twos against Maxwell. At this stage, the Aussies were 147-1, and must be in the box seat here.

  103. Text 81111

    Sukh Singh from Birmingham: Equation is simple. IF Dhoni is there until the 50th over THEN India win.

  104. Ind 125-4 (Rahane 22*, Dhoni 7*)

    Four singles from the over - Faulkner has 1-44 from five, and India still need 204 more from 23 overs.

  105. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jim Cooper: Australia need to push on from here and get a resounding win. That would give them the mental edge on New Zealand.

  106. Close!

    Ind 123-4

    While Harsha Bhogle and Allan Border on TMS compare their official ICC ties, Faulkner begins his fifth over under the SCG floodlights, and Indian hearts are in mouths when Dhoni pulls towards deep square leg... but it bounces just in front of David Warner, sporting a pantomime villain's moustache, who comes hurtling in from the boundary.

  107. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Team of the tournament

    Jack Butcher: B McCullum (capt), M Guptill, R Sharma, K Sangakarra (wk), S Smith, AB, G Maxwell, W Riaz, R Ashwin, T Boult, M Starc.

    Dan Stewart: K Sangakkara, AB de Villiers, M Guptill, S Smith, B McCullum, G Maxwell, F du Plessis, T Boult, M Starc, U Yadav, I Tahir.

    Rob Cobban (possibly with his tongue in his cheek?): De Kock, Jamshed, Ballance, Jayawardene, Morgan, Ramdin, Faulkner, Broad, Kalusekara, Panyangara, Anderson.

  108. Ind 121-4 (target 329)

    Many thanks, James - the role of "finisher" is not one to be borne lightly... It's just what Australia would have wanted to be able to whistle through a few overs of Faulkner and Maxwell - clearly the lesser bowlers of their attack - while India regroup, before unleashing their fast men. Maxwell is milked for six singles - the required rate is up above eight and a half.

  109. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ilyas Najib: The writing is on the wall for India now, but if anyone can win if from here, it is the Indians.

    Jared Maobe: The best team of #CWC15, India is headed to defeat, to the best team of knockout phase Australia.

  110. Ind 115-4

    James Faulkner continues. Rahane pinches a couple of twos to deep midwicket to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

    Time to hand you back to Mark Mitchener to take you through to the conclusion.

  111. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "The Indian fans in the crowd were incredible earlier. I never thought I'd see Australia play an away game at the SCG."

    Jonathan Agnew adds: "It's normally like that when England play in Barbados, with more away fans than locals. I think the Barmies have saved their money for that tour rather than this one, and I think they're right to do so."

  112. Ind 110-4 (Rahane 13, Dhoni 1)

    MS Dhoni may be the finisher but India are an awful long way from the finish line here. He opens his account with a single into the covers.

  113. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Dhoni is a man who just seems ice cool and unfazed by anything. The crowd are a bit quiet now because predominantly, it's Indian."

  114. Post update

    Allan Border

    Ex-Australia captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "329 looks a long way away - Raina's a dangerous player, he was trying to run it down to third man which is very much a one-day shot. You can't help but think think is the partnership now to get India close - MS Dhoni is very much the finisher."

    Listen to TMS commentary via the audio icon.

    India fans
  115. WICKET

    Raina c Haddin b Faulkner 7 (Ind 108-4)

    Disaster for India, just what they didn't need one of their most experienced ODI batsmen to do. The ball after whipping Faulkner for four, Suresh Raina aims an awful indeterminate poke at a rising ball outside off and Brad Haddin takes a good leaping catch.

    Scorecard

  116. Ind 102-3 (Rahane 11, Raina 2)

    India need to rebuild a platform here, as Glenn Maxwell tries to scoot through a few cheap overs for Australia. The boundary rope is proving hard to find at the moment for India, but Raina is off the mark with a punch into the covers.

    India"s batsman Suresh Raina shouts for a quick single against Australia during the Cricket World Cup
  117. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "There were some animated words between the umpire and Mitchell Starc at the end of that over. Hopefully nothing untoward. If they keep their discipline, you'd think Australia should do it from here."

  118. Post update

    Nitin Srivastava

    BBC Hindi in Sydney

    "India fans dejected, already, amidst a silent SCG. Difficult to win now."

    A dejected India fan
  119. Ind 98-3

    A strangled appeal as Ajinkya Rahane has a big swish across the line at a rising lifter from Mitchell Starc. Plenty of chat out in the middle as Starc throws the ball at the stumps and Rahane blocks it with his pads, then Starc is wided twice in succession as a little bit of reverse swing begins to become apparent. Raina still waiting to get off the mark.

  120. Scorecard update

    India 95-3 from 20 overs (target 329)

    Batsmen: Rahane 8*, Raina 0*

    Fall of wickets: 76-1 (Dhawan 45), 78-2 (Kohli 1), 91-3 (Rohit 34)

    Bowling figures: Starc 4-0-12-0, Hazlewood 7-1-20-1, Johnson 6-0-29-2, Faulkner 2-0-29-0, Maxwell 1-0-1-0

    Australia 328-7: Smith 105, Finch 81, Yadav 4-72, Mohit 2-75

    Australia won toss

    Scorecard

  121. Post update

    Stephan Shemilt

    BBC Sport in Sydney

    "Johnson gave Rohit the Andy Roberts treatment there. Slower short ball, pulled for four. Next ball, speed of light, leg bail removed. Game over?"

    Australia celebrate