MOHALI: India set Australia an imposing victory target of 516 in the second cricket test Monday after rushing to 314 for 3 wickets declared in its second innings.Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed 68 from 84 balls to add to his 92 in the first innings before deciding to end Australia’s punishment an over after drinks in the middle of the second session. Dhoni, who promoted himself to No.3, collected three fours and a fierce six off Cameron White. Opener Gautam Gambhir produced his second century during the start of India's brutal demolition. Left-hander Gambhir combined with Virender Sehwag in a stunning 182-run partnership for the first wicket that deflated the already struggling tourists. Sehwag provided most of the power, but Gambhir stayed longer than his partner as India prepared to set Australia a massive victory target. After losing Sehwag, Gambhir moved to his century with a boundary through mid-wicket off White shortly before lunch. He had struck seven fours during his 136-ball stay, but left two deliveries later when he chipped to mid-off while on 104.Gambhir's half-century came in the fourth over of the day, and in the next over he hit leg spinner White for a straight six that lost the ball. Fifteen runs were struck off White's six balls and he also experienced harsh treatment from Sehwag. Sehwag smashed 90 from 122 deliveries before his aggressive knock ended when Peter Siddle had him caught behind by Brad Haddin. Gambhir and Sehwag scored at will and had 60 runs from the first ten overs of the morning against a wilting attack.Australia started with bowlers Shane Watson and White before Mitchell Johnson was introduced. Spearhead Brett Lee, who suffered a right hand injury in the first innings, did not bowl until after lunch. Lee removed Sourav Ganguly (27) when he skied to Michael Clarke at point. Sachin Tendulkar scored 10 before the declaration, leaving Australia to face 46 overs before the end of the day.India added 100 without loss in 23 overs on the third evening to gain a 301-run advantage. Australia was dismissed for 268 in its first innings with Watson top-scoring with 78 after rookie leg spinner Amit Mishra became the sixth Indian bowler to claim five wickets in an innings in his first game.
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