Gilchrist raises his bat after scoring a century

Centuries by Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting helped Australia ease to a 61-run win over India.

Australia notched up a whopping 347-2 and India were never in the running to beat the huge score in Bangalore.

India now have to beat New Zealand in the final group game on Saturday to make the final against Australia on 18 November.

Australia won the toss and immediately ripped into the Indian attack, Gilchrist hitting 111 off 104 balls and Ponting ending unbeaten on 108 off 103 deliveries.

TVS CUP TABLE Australia P6 W5 L1 NR0 Pts28 NZ P5 W1 L3 NR1 Pts10 India P5 W1 L3 NR1 Pts10

Matthew Hayden had been run out for 44 by Sourav Ganguly, who was playing his first match since surgery on his thigh.

Spinner Anil Kumble took the wicket of Gilchrist to end with 1-60.

But pace bowler Ashish Nehra was expensive on his return to action since the World Cup. Australia hit 80 runs off his 10 overs.

Australia, already through to the final, fielded a full-strength side and were an awesome sight to watch.

Sachin Tendulkar battled hard for his 89 off 91 balls but when he was bowled by Ian Harvey, India struggled.

Virender Sehwag was the next highest scorer with 39, and Ganguly (37) and Rahul Dravid (34) made starts but could not go on to claim a big total.

India ran out of overs as they ended their innings on 286-8.

Andrew Symonds was the pick of the Australia bowlers, taking 3-43 off nine overs.

Teams:

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Damien Martyn, Andrew Symonds, Michael Bevan, Michael Clarke, Andy Bichel, Michael Kasprowicz, Brad Williams, Ian Harvey.