India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed 124 off 107 deliveries yesterday to set up a 99-run victory over Australia and level the seven-match limited-over series at 1-1.

Dhoni's fifth one-day century lifted India to an imposing score of 354 for seven wickets at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. The hosts' attack then bowled Australia out for 255 in 48.3 overs.

Australia were never in the contest after losing Ricky Ponting for 12 and openers Tim Paine for 8 and Shane Watson for 19 to slump to 45-3.

Michael Hussey top-scored with 53 from 60 balls, but Australia were always a long way behind the required run rate.

Left-arm spinner Ravinder Jadeja removed Hussey, Adam Voges (36) and Shaun Marsh (21) to be India's best bowler with 3-35.

Dhoni, who hit nine boundaries, moved from 90 to 108 by hoisting three sixes. Coming in to bat with India struggling on 97-3, Dhoni helped resurrect the innings with a 119-run partnership dominated by the in-form Gautam Gambhir, who was eventually run out for 76 by a direct hit from Nathan Hauritz at the non-striker's end.

Partnership

Dhoni then took charge of the game as Suresh Raina took a bit of time to get his eye in. They shared a 136-run partnership for the fifth wicket that didn't end until the 50th over when Dhoni was bowled by paceman Mitchell Johnson.

Johnson, who passed a fitness test before being included, claimed 3-75 after having Raina caught behind off the second to last ball of the innings for 62.

Australia won the first one-day international on Sunday by four runs.