India, already reeling from the absence of master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, saw their World Cup hopes dashed by Zimbabwe in Leicester yesterday as they crashed to a dramatic three-run defeat.

Mohammad Azharuddin's side, chasing Zimbabwe's 252 for nine, were dismissed for 249 with six balls to go.

It was their second consecutive defeat.

They must now win their last three games, against Kenya, Sri Lanka and England, to have any chance of advancing.

Wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia seemed to have saved his team with 28 off 24 balls but when he was bowled by Guy Whittall, to make the score 217 for seven with five overs remaining, India suddenly caved in. Their last three wickets fell for three runs.

Last man Venkatesh Prasad came in with four runs needed to win off seven balls but he went for a duck.

The day had begun badly for India when the team were told that Tendulkar the cornerstone of the side, had flown home following the death of his father.