India slumped to a 4-0 series deficit in the five-match One-Day International series against Australia, after a remarkable collapse at Canberra on Wednesday. Chasing a massive 349, India were strolling at 277-1 in 37 overs, with centurions Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli at the crease. The tourists then lost nine wickets for just 46 runs and were bowled out for 323.
Unlike the first three ODIs, Australia batted first this time and began in dominating style with a 187-run opening stand between David Warner (93) and Aaron Finch (107). The innings stuttered for a bit, before cameos from Steve Smith (51 off 29 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (41 off 20 balls) pushed Australia to 348-8 in 50 overs.
India got off to a flying start and had the chase well under control till the 35th over. They were almost always ahead of the asking rate, despite opener Rohit Sharma falling after a quickfire 41. However, once Dhawan holed out for 125, the wicket kickstarted a bizarre collapse from which India never recovered. Captain MS Dhoni went for a duck, Kohli followed for 106 and the rest were skittled over.
Australia 348/8 in 50 overs beat India 323 all out in 49.2 overs by 25 runs.
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