India beat Aussies

India beat Australia by 36 runs at the Oval on Sunday as the reigning champions suffered their first defeat of the 2019 World Cup.

Shikhar Dhawan's 117 was the cornerstone of India's imposing total of 352 for five which also featured major contributions from captain Virat Kohli (82) and Rohit Sharma (57).Australia then struggled to keep up with the required rate in the face of tight bowling despite fifties from David Warner, Steve Smith and Alex Carey, reports AFP.

Victory saw India make it two wins from two following their defeat of South Africa, with Australia now two from three after wins over Afghanistan and the West Indies. Alex Carey, batting at No 7, gave India some concern but Australia's attempt at a record World Cup chase of 353 fell short by 36 runs.

Steve Smith top-scored for Australia with 69, David Warner weighed in with 56 and Carey made an unbeaten 55 off 35 balls but no one could stay with him as the overs ticked down.

Shikhar Dhawan's 17th one-day international century put India in the driving seat. The 33-year-old's masterful 117 helped India to their fourth-highest World Cup total. Virat Kohli added a punchy 82 as India turned a measured start into a total their strike bowlers would have been confident of defending.

Kohli now has 91 scores of 50 and higher since his ODI debut in 2008, with Kumar Sangakkara the next closest with 66. Rohit Sharma backed up his unbeaten 122 in the six-wicket victory over South Africa with 57 from 70 balls that set the platform for India's fine innings.

Once Rohit and Dhawan were set Australia struggled for any real strike threat with the ball. Hardik Pandya stepped up the order to blast 48 from 27 balls, including four fours and three sixes, with Lokesh Rahul adding an unbeaten 11 from three deliveries at the death.

Marcus Stoinis took two for 62, including the 'dangerman Kohli'. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Coulter-Nile claimed a wicket apiece but Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa came away empty-handed.