India Crushes Australia in T20 World Cup Clash, Reaches Semis

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing win against Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Saint Lucia on Monday. Captain Rohit Sharma stole the show with a blistering 92 runs off just 41 deliveries, laying the foundation for a commanding total.

Dominant Batting Display by India

Batting first after Australia’s decision to bowl, India faced a slight setback as Virat Kohli’s struggles continued with a five-ball duck. However, Rohit Sharma, unfazed by the early wicket, capitalized on the favorable batting conditions. He unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including seven fours and eight sixes, reaching his 200th T20I six in the process.

Rohit’s onslaught was particularly harsh on Mitchell Starc, who conceded a record-breaking 29 runs in his over, including four sixes and a four. Pat Cummins, fresh off consecutive hat-tricks, also couldn’t escape Rohit’s wrath as a towering six sailed over the deep midwicket roof. Rain briefly halted play, but Rohit continued his dominance upon resumption, completing a phenomenal 19-ball fifty.

Australia Threatens but India Holds Firm

Despite losing opener David Warner in the first over to Arshdeep Singh, Australia attempted a spirited chase. Travis Head, channeling his 2023 World Cup final heroics, led the charge with a blistering half-century, taking the score to 87/1 within nine overs. However, a moment of brilliance from Axar Patel, who took a stunning one-handed catch in the deep to dismiss Mitchell Marsh (37), broke the dangerous partnership.

Glenn Maxwell briefly threatened with a four and a reverse-sweep six before Kuldeep Yadav induced him into a slog sweep and dismissed him for 20. While Maxwell’s dismissal shifted the momentum towards India, it was the wicket of Head for a well-made 76 that truly sealed the deal for the Men in Blue.

India Restricts Australia to Secure Victory

Apart from Rohit Sharma’s brilliance, India’s bowlers also played a crucial role. Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets for 37 runs, and Kuldeep Yadav provided valuable support with two wickets for 24 runs. The bowlers, except for Josh Hazlewood (1/14), kept the Australian batsmen in check, restricting them to 181/7, 24 runs short of the target.

With this win, India advances to the semi-finals, where they will face England for a place in the final.