A batting masterclass from Gautam Gambhir has India well on track at 2-125 after 25 overs to reel in Australia's victory target of 270 in the Commonwealth Bank Series clash at Adelaide Oval.
Gambhir is 66 not out after recording his 29th ODI half-century in a clinical display from the left-hander that has included six fours.
The 30-year-old is joined at the crease by Rohit Sharma not out on 13 with the visitors trailing by 145 runs.
Early boundaries and a 52-run opening stand between Gambhir and fellow opener Virender Sehwag (20) set India on their way before the latter was dismissed.
Virat Kohli (18) was batting well before he was caught in the deep attempting to slog just after an hour of play.
Clint McKay has been destructive for Australia claiming both wickets of the innings with 2-12 from four overs including one maiden.
After winning the toss earlier in the day, Australia chose to bat and posted their highest score of the tri-series with 8-269.
Debutant Peter Forrest scored a maiden ODI half-century with 66 while David Hussey belted a quick-fire 72 before some alert fielding and late bowling pressure from the Indians saw Australia crumble late to lose 4-35.
In reply, Gambhir and Sehwag started fiercely, punishing Australia's opening quicks Mitchell Starc and Ryan Harris.
Gambhir began spritely while Sehwag, despite taking a number of risks was effective, smacking three early boundaries to signal the Indian side's intent.
The duo flirted with danger too often though and in the ninth over almost threw away both their wickets when Sehwag first was almost run out before Gambhir's attempted cover drive took a wicked edge that brushed the fingertips of a leaping Australian skipper Michael Clarke on its way to third man boundary for four.
The flashy partnership eventually came to end an over later when Sehwag tried to work McKay onto leg side, only for the ball to edge and balloon up to Hussey at gully.
Gambhir and Kohli kept the run-rate ticking though as it reached five an over in the bowling powerplay.
Gambhir was exceptional dispatching of anything on the offside with relative ease, producing a number of textbook shots whilst remaining sharp with his running between wickets.
Kohli who was looking good value to belt a high-score was dismissed in the 18th over following a reckless shot that fell to Forrest for a comfortable catch at deep cover.