Matthew Hayden top-scored with 92 runs but it wasn't enough as Australia finished with 7-283, falling 8 runs short of India's 4-291, and lost by 8 runs in the 4th One Day International in Chandigarh.

Australia looked as though a victory target of 292 would not pose a problem when Andrew Symonds (75) was at the crease.

But once the all-rounder was dismissed, some disciplined bowling - including a superb spell from Harbhajan Singh (two for 43) - and rash batting paved the way for India to clinch the win and reduce Australia's series lead to 2-1.

Earlier in the day, Sachin Tendulkar top-scored with 79 as the hosts made 291 for four.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was named the man of the match after a superb all-round display, said afterwards: "It was a total team effort.

"That's the way we need to play, be aggressive. If you get bogged down against Australia, then you can't come back.

"We got the wickets when we needed them - especially Matthew Hayden and Symonds."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said: "What a fantastic game of cricket.

"India batted well up front and kept some wickets in hand. I don't think we did a bad job in the field and that total was gettable, but it wasn't to be.

"They played some excellent cricket and deserved to win."  TPA