India Crashes Out Of 11th ICC World Cup As Australia Storms Into Final For 7th time With 95 Run Victory

26 March, Sydney

India exits from the World Cup. In the second semi final played at Sydney, team India fell short of 95 runs while chasing 329 posted by Australia. In the end it was the home side that kept its record intact for not losing a semi final match.

The victory has set up a dream final at the MCG on Sunday against the Kiwis, who finished undefeated in the pool games and beat South Africa in their semi-final at Eden Park on Tuesday.

Men in Blue had a fantastic start to the chase as openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave the start. However after Dhawan’s exit things started going downhill.

India’s star batsman Virat Kohli failed with the bat and succumbed to Mitchell Johnson. Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals but glimmer of hope was provided by Captain MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane. They made a useful partnership of 70 runs but that was not enough to chase down the stiff target.

Dhoni in the process was top scorer for India at 65 runs.

The Australian total was always going to be a tough chase and it proved a mountain too high for the Indians.

Pace trio Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood strangled the Indian batsman with Johnson claiming the early wickets of Sharma (34) and Virat Kholi (1).

Hazlewood dismissed the dangerous Dhawan (45), while Starc removed Ajinkya Rahane (44) and Umesh Yadav (0).

Allrounder James Faulkner also proved the perfect support act knocking over Suresh Raina (7) and then snaring another two wickets off consecutive balls – bowling both Ravi Ashwin (1) and Mohit Sharma (0).
Earlier, one strong partnership between Steven Smith and Aaron Finch ensured Australia posted 328 for 7 in stipulated 50 overs.