Battling half-centuries from Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni lifted India to a six-wicket victory over Australia in the third one-dayer at Delhi and a 2-1 lead in the seven-match series.

Australia had opted to take first strike on a low and slow surface and Ricky Ponting, who opened the innings alongside Shane Watson (41), gave the visitors a steady start with a knock of 59, while Michael Hussey anchored the middle order with a businesslike 81 not out off 82 deliveries as Australia finished with a par 229 for five.

Yuvraj then scored an impressive 78, while Dhoni made an unbeaten 71, the two putting on 148 for the fourth wicket as India overhauled the target with 1.4 overs to spare.

Watson and Ponting put on 72 for the opening wicket when Yuvraj finally broke the association when he induced Watson into a drive, but the ball spun past Watson's edge and Dhoni completed the dismissal with some smart work behind the stumps.

Australia's batsmen were kept in check, but Ponting went on to reach his 72nd ODI half-century and put on 56 for the second wicket with Hussey.

He was eventually dismissed, trapped in front by Jadeja, and India struck another quick blow when Cameron White was then snared cheaply, Dhoni juggling an inside edge off the pad before eventually grasping the catch.

Hussey, who clubbed only two boundaries en route to his 27th ODI half-century, accelerated nicely at the death.

As India replied, Virender Sehwag struggled to put bat to ball and was eventually bowled by Mitchell Johnson for a scratchy 11, while Sachin Tendulkar was run out for 32, a direct hit from Johnson at mid-off catching the master batsman yards short of the crease.

From 37 for no loss, India slipped to 53 for three when Dhoni, who cracked a sparkling century in the previous match at Nagpur, joined Yuvraj at the crease.

The pair painstakingly hauled the home side back into contention, the bulk of the runs coming in at times risky singles and twos.