Sydney, Feb 24 India's fate in the cricket tri-series was today left hanging in balance after their late push for victory in a crucial game against Australia fell short by 18-runs.

After Australia set a stiff target of 317, the Indians were in the doldrums at 51-5 before Gautam Gambhir's 113 and some lusty hittings by Robin Uthappa (51) raised hopes of a remarkable victory which would have guaranteed India a berth in the final.

But India fell short of the target making their last league match against Sri Lanka at Hobart on Tuesday a virtual semifinal.

India needs to win that match to qualify for the best-of-three finals while the Sri Lankans have a more difficult task of emerging triumphant in their remaining two matches to secure a place in the final.

Australians, who have already qualified for the finals, maintain their top position with 26 points from seven matches while India are second with 12 points, also from seven matches, and Sri Lanka have six points from as many ODIs.

Captain Ricky Ponting marked his return to form with a blistering 124 off 133 balls to propel the Australian total to a challenging 317 for seven on a good batting track at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

All rounder Andrew Symonds, who was struggling to score runs in the on-going series, also hit an unbeaten 59 while opener Matthew Hayden chipped in with a 54 after Ponting elected to bat first. (Agencies)