Australia skipper Ricky Ponting was effusive in his praise of India batsman Sachin Tendulkar's brilliant 141-ball 175 that brought the hosts to the doorsteps of a heart-stopping victory in the fifth one-dayer here on Thursday.

"Sachin's innings was terrific. It was a great innings under pressure," Ponting said after his team snatched a narrow three-run victory and a 3-2 lead in the seven-match series.

Tendulkar also became the first cricketer in the game's history to complete 17,000 runs during the one-dayer.

While praising teammates, Ponting make a special mention of opener Shaun Marsh (112) for his debut century.

"We did the right things and won the game. Marsh was outstanding. (Shane) Watson did well too (by scoring 93 off 89 balls) with bat and ball (3/47). (Debutant Clint) McKay bowled well as well," Ponting said.

The next match is scheduled in Guwahati on November 8 and the last game in Mumbai on November 11.