Pune: Australia raised their game to beat India by 72 runs in the opening game of the seven match ODI series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here Sunday.
Aaron Finch (72 off 79 balls) and captain George Bailey (85 off 82) set up Australia's 304 for eight before their bowlers did a brilliant job to stop India at 232 all out in 49.4 overs. James Faulkner struck thrice while other pacers Shane Watson and Clint Mckay picked up two wickets each.
It was a good comeback from the visitors who were outplayed in the one-off T20 Thursday. The second ODI takes place in Jaipur Wednesday.
Australian bowlers learnt their lessons from the Rajkot tie and bowled a much better length, using the odd short and slower ball to good effect.
The stylish opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan (7) and Rohit Sharma (42) found it tough to push the scoring rate.
