Tri-series: Tendulkar leads India to victory

Sydney: Sachin Tendulkar notched up his 42nd limited-overs century to lead India to a comfortable six-wicket win over Australia in the first tri-series final on Sunday.

It was India's first one-day win over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 12 matches.

The visitors made 242-4 in reply to Australia's 239-8, reaching the target with 25 balls to spare.

Tendulkar's breathtaking 117 was his first one-day hundred in 39 matches in Australia.

Rohit Sharma provided valuable support to Tendulkar with an impressive 66 in their fourth wicket partnership of 123.

Criticised for not batting well in run chases recently, Tendulkar had a point to prove and did it emphatically, placing the ball exquisitely to score his first one-day International century in 39 matches in Australia, and 42nd overall, to lead his side to victory.

He and Robin Uthappa (17) set the foundation with India's highest opening stand of the series in putting on 50, but India then wobbled, slipping to 87 for 3 when Yuvraj Singh fell cheaply.

However, Tendulkar looked in total command and joined with Sharma to put on 123 and take the game away from the Australians, who were beaten in last year's tri-series finals by England.

Tendulkar brought up his hundred with an easy single off James Hopes, having faced only 106 deliveries and hit eight boundaries. Sharma fell the very next ball, bowled by Hopes (2-42) for a fine 66 from 87 balls, but it was academic, with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Tendulkar guiding their side home.

Earlier, Hayden made 82 off 88 balls, but Harbhajan had the last laugh in his bitter rivalry with the Australian opener, claiming the wicket of the opener as one of two crucial scalps that turned the match India's way.

The Australians were again in early trouble after winning the toss and electing to bat, slumping to 24 for 3, but Hayden led the fightback with Mike Hussey.

"The first blow is always extremely important," Tendulkar told a news conference.

The two sides will meet again in Brisbane on Tuesday, and will play the final match in Adelaide on Friday.