( dpa ) - Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar led India to a six-wicket win and a 1-0 lead over Australia in the one-day finals in Sydney on Sunday.
India overhauled Australia's total of 239 in the 46th over with Tendulkar finishing unbeaten on 117 and MS Dhoni on 15.
The emphatic win was India's first at the ground and only their third in 20 matches against the home side in Australia.
It also marked Tendulkar's first century in Australia. Tendulkar, who faced 120 balls and hit 10 fours, shared in a 123-run stand for the fourth wicket with Rohit Sharma.
Australia have now lost their past two one-day games and must beat India in Brisbane this week to have a chance of winning the series.
Australia's bowling attack trio of Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson went wicketless with Johnson blasted for 70 runs off his 10 overs. Part-timer James Hopes took 2 for 42 off 8.5 overs.
Australia posted 8 for 239 from their 50 overs after recovering from 3 for 25. Opener Matthew Hayden scored 82 and Andrew Symonds 31.
Australia again gave up wickets cheaply, with Adam Gilchrist scoring 7, Ricky Ponting 1 and Michael Clarke 4.