Dhawan ton helps India down Australia in World Cup game

India's top order fired in unison and their bowlers produced a tidy display to beat reigning world champions Australia by 36 runs in a thrilling World Cup match at the Oval on Sunday.

Shikhar Dhawan (117) smashed his 17th ODI century and forged significant partnerships with fellow opener Rohit Sharma (57) and skipper Virat Kohli (82) to power India to a commanding 352-5.

Several frontline Australia batsmen got good starts but none could bat deep enough to see them home as they were all out for 316 in exactly 50 overs.

Steve Smith (69), David Warner (56) and Alex Carey (55 not out) scored the bulk of the runs for Australia, who tasted their first defeat after wins against Afghanistan and West Indies earlier in the tournament.

India's new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-50) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-61) shared six wickets between them while spinner Yuzvendra Chahal claimed 2-62.

'Perfect game for us'

Delighted Kohli hailed India's win as the "perfect game". 

"A top, top win for us - especially after losing the (one-day international) series (against Australia) in India," said the skipper. "We had a point to prove.

"The opening partnership was outstanding...It was the perfect game for us."

Australia captain Aaron Finch conceded his side had been "outplayed."

"They got 120 runs off the last 10 overs which is a lot. We didn't bowl our best stuff and struggled to get wickets early on which was the key.

"It was just one of those games, they just outplayed us."