MUMBAI, Oct 13: All-rounder Andrew Symonds on Friday smashed seven sixes in his whirlwind 59 ball 78 as Australia routed Maharashtra by 103 runs in a practice cricket game at Wankhede Stadium here.

Australia made 297 for seven in their 50 overs and then restricted Maharashtra to 194 for seven to score a facile victory.

However, two main Aussie batsmen Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting did not have such a good time as the duo could make just six and 24 respectively.

Symonds, who struck leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule for three consecutive sixes, was well supported by all-rounder Shane Watson who made a fine 70 and Damien Martyn who seemed to find some touch with a good knock of 43.

For Maharashtra, only Yogesh Takawle with 50 and Hrishikesh Kanitkar with 33 could stand up to Aussie bowling attack with Brett Lee and McGrath both taking two wickets apiece.

Scores: Australia 297 for seven in 50 overs (A Symonds 78, S Watson 70, D Martyn 43) beat Maharashtra 194 for 7 in 50 overs (Y Takawle 50, H Kanitkar 33, B Lee 2-13, McGrath 2-28, B Hogg 1-37, N Bracken 1-34, A Symonds 1-13).—Agencies