India's Sachin Tendulkar (right) leaves with a trophy for becoming the highest run-getter in Test cricket, after the awards ceremony in Mohali, India, yesterday. India beat Australia by 320 runs and lead the four-Test series 1-0. - AP

MOHALI, India (AP):

PACEMAN ZAHEER Khan took three wickets in four balls yesterday to erase Australia's last, limited chances of forcing a draw and propel India to a comprehensive 320-run victory in the second Test.

Australia, who resumed the last morning at 141-5 chasing an unlikely 516, lasted 18.4 overs on the fifth day after being rocked by Khan, who finished with 3-71.

The defeat was Australia's seventh heaviest by runs and comes only a week after they missed opportunities to win the first Test at Bangalore. India, who recorded their largest victory by runs over any opponent, lead the four-match series 1-0 and are seemingly in complete control in the subcontinental conditions.

Ominous wicket

Khan ensured it would be a quick finish when he crashed through Brad Haddin's weak defensive push to the sixth ball of the day and the wicketkeeper left with 37.

"Overall it was the perfect game for us," said Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who stood in as captain for the injured Anil Kumble. "We got the perfect start after winning the toss and we were up to the mark in all departments."

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said his line-up lost the ascendancy on the opening day.

"Right from the first morning India were aggressive and took the momentum away from us," he said. "We've been under pressure and fighting from the start. They deserved to win, they outplayed us in every aspect."

Shattered hopes

When Haddin's stumps were shattered, so were Australia's hopes of saving the match after an 84-run partnership between Haddin and Michael Clarke.

In Khan's next over he had Cameron White caught behind for one when he pushed at the ball outside off stump and was caught by Dhoni.

It was Khan's second wicket in three deliveries and he added his third immediately by bowling Brett Lee.

All 10 fielders were placed within 15 metres of the bat for the hat-trick ball, which Mitchell Johnson defended. Khan's seven-over spell in the morning returned figures of 3-27, including two maidens.

"Zaheer is bowling at his best," Dhoni said. "His commitment is great, he is fit, he bowls his heart out."