India Knocked Out, Australia to play New Zealand in Final

Team India, which remained unbeaten prior to the semifinal match today, went down to World No. 1 Australia without a fight. Australia continued with their unbeaten streak in World Cup semifinals and stormed into the Final for a record seventh time. They had claimed the trophy in 1987, 2003 and 2007. The Kangaroos will now take on Black Caps (New Zealand) in the final in Sydney on March 28.

The Indian batsmen, who produced brilliant display, made a meek surrender before the Australians after the bowlers let the team down. Australia piled up 328/7 in 50 overs, thanks to Steven Smith (105), Aaron Finch (81), Maxwell (23), Faulkner (21), Watson (28) and Johnson (27*). For India, Umesh Yadav took four wickets, while Mohit Sharma took two wickets. Indian pacers Shami (68), Umesh (72) and Mohit (75) conceded 215 runs together. Australia also became the first team to score 300+ score in any World Cup semifinal.

Chasing a victory target of 329, Indian openers started on a shaky note, but added 76 runs for the first wicket, thanks to a few dropped chances. Josh Hazlewood claimed Dhawan’s (45) wicket first. Then, Mitchell Johnson struck twice to claim Virat Kohli (1) and Rohit Sharma (34). India slumped to 91/3 and never recovered from that shock.

The entire team bowled out for 233 in 46.5 overs and lost the match by 95 runs. Skipper MS Dhoni was the top scorer with 65, while Rahane contributed 44. For Australia, Faulkner took three wickets, while Johnson and Starc took two wickets each. Steven Smith was declared ‘Man of the Match’. With this win, Australia avenged the 2011 Quarterfinal loss against India in Motera, Ahmedabad.