India hoping against hope for a win

India now find themselves in a must-win situation against Australia in the tri-series on Monday.

Having suffered a humiliating defeat in their opening game to Pakistan, India now find themselves in a must-win situation against none other than world champions Australia in the cricket tri-series here on Monday.

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The Indians have nothing to lose but their own waywardness which cost them heavily -- a huge 66-run defeat to their arch-rivals who appear to be getting back into the groove after two wins on the trot against Sourav Ganguly's men.

India almost certainly face a shut-out in the tournament and they must now win against Australia and then hope Pakistan would win against the world champions on Wednesday to remain in contention for the August 28 final.

The variables are heavily loaded against them and if they are not able to pull off a win on Monday, they must prepare to cool their heels for the next five days before leaving for England for the NatWest Challenge and the Champions Trophy on August 29.