Gambhir's 113 didn't help

A sparkling century from Gautam Gambhir could not save India from an 18-run defeat at the hands of Australia in their tri-series match here on Sunday.

India take on Sri Lanka in their next match in Hobart on Tuesday.

A win would have secured India a berth in the finals, but they were always struggling at the crease after several Australian batsmen returned to form in posting 317 for seven.

India chased bravely and made 299 from 49.1 overs, the highest total ever by side batting second at the SCG, but it wasn't enough with Brett Lee taking 5-58 for the home side.

With Ricky Ponting making 124, Australia, choosing to bat first on a docile wicket, posted the highest score of the series and then made early inroads with the ball.

India were always struggling after star opener Sachin Tendulkar fell in the second over before they slumped to 51 for four.

Gambhir and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni revived Indian hopes by putting on 98 for the fifth wicket, before the latter was caught behind off the bowling of Brett Lee for 36.

Robin Uthappa and Gambhir then kept the score ticking over by putting on 67, but India's hopes suffered a fatal blow when the centurion's brave knock came to an end when he was stumped by Adam Gilchrist, who completed six dismissals, off the bowling of Brad Hogg for 113.

It left India needing 102 more off just 65 balls and although Uthappa bravely kept the chase going with a dashing 51, the required run rate was just too high.

Despite the lack of top order support, Gambhir, batting at number three, notched his second century of the series and fourth overall in fine style, playing some


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