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Cricket: Aussies keep top ranking

Australian players celebrate a Shane Watson wicket in their 24-run victory.
Australian players celebrate a Shane Watson wicket in their 24-run victory.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Australia beat India by 24 runs in fourth one-day international in Mohali
  • Victory sees Australia stay top-ranked team in one-day cricket
  • Three wickets for Shane Watson and Doug Bollinger help seal victory
  • Skipper Ricky Ponting hits 52 and claims two run-outs

(CNN) -- Australia remained top of the one-day international world rankings with a 24-run victory in the fourth match of their series against India in Mohali on Monday.

India, who led the best-of-seven contest of 50-overs per side clashes by 2-1 going into the match, would have topped the list with a victory.

After restricting the Aussies to a modest 250 in their innings, India came unstuck against a determined effort with the ball and in the field, with visiting captain Ricky Ponting responsible for two key run-outs.

Cameron White made 62, Ponting 52 and all-rounder Shane Watson 49 in Australia's total at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Four visiting batsmen were run out after the Aussies were put in by home skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who won the toss.

Ashish Nehra struck early to claim the wicket of opener Shaun Marsh and led the Indian attack with three wickets for 37, wrapping up the tail to remove the dangerous Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle.

Spinner Harbhajan Singh took also two wickets for 48 as the Indian attack were largely in control.

The home side made a swift start in reply with Virender Sehwag blazing away and Sachin Tendulkar making a more measured 40.

But seamers Doug Bollinger and Watson took three wickets apiece and spinner Nathan Hauritz two as the Indian mid-order misfired to leave victory hopes down to the tailenders.

Harbhajan gave them late hope with some lusty blows in making 31, but once he was caught and bowled by Watson the writing was on the wall and an exciting series is now tied at 2-2 with three matches left.