T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma shines as India beat Australia to enter semis

NEW DELHI: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma led his team to a convincing 24-run victory over Australia in their final Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup on Monday. Rohit's scintillating 92 off just 41 deliveries propelled India to a formidable total of 205 for five, after Australia had won the toss and elected to field on a batting-friendly surface.
Australia, facing the prospect of an early exit from the tournament, showcased their characteristic resilience during the run chase.Skipper Mitchell Marsh, who rediscovered his form, contributed a valuable 37 off 28 balls, while Travis Head, who had previously tormented India in the ODI World Cup final last year, played a blistering knock of 76 off 43 deliveries.

However, the Indian bowling trio of Kuldeep Yadav (2/24), Jasprit Bumrah (1/29), and Arshdeep Singh (3/37) rose to the occasion, effectively containing the Australian batsmen and restricting them to 181 for seven. India's victory secured their position as the top team in their group.
With their second defeat in three matches, Australia's fate now rests in the hands of Afghanistan, who are set to face Bangladesh later on Monday. The outcome of that game will determine which team claims the second semifinal spot from Group 1, alongside India.

India secured their third consecutive victory in the Super Eights, earning them a spot in the second semifinal against the reigning champions, England, which will take place on Thursday in Guyana.
Australia displayed their characteristic resilience during the chase, but their efforts ultimately waned in the final overs.
The 86-run partnership between Head and Marsh was marked by their exceptional ball-striking prowess. Marsh thrilled the crowd with his short-arm pulls that sent the ball soaring into the stands, while Head focused on the straight boundary. "The southpaw smoked Hardik Pandya for a flat six down the ground, reminiscent of his ruthlessness in Ahmedabad on the ill-fated night of November 19."

Amidst the impressive hitting from Marsh and Head, Kuldeep's bowling performance was particularly noteworthy. However, one of his wickets was solely due to the outstanding athleticism of Axar Patel, who made a spectacular one-handed catch while leaping at deep square leg to dismiss Marsh.
With Australia requiring 65 runs off the final 30 deliveries and Head still at the crease, the outcome of the match remained uncertain. However, the MVP Jasprit Bumrah returned to the attack and removed the opener with a slower delivery, effectively ending Australia's chances of mounting a successful comeback.
Rohit Sharma's magnificent innings set the tone for India's batting performance on the most conducive surface of the tournament. Despite Australia's decision to field first, Rohit capitalized on the conditions, crafting a brilliant knock that included seven boundaries and eight maximums, one of which was his record-extending 200th six in the format.

The innings began with a promising start as Rohit elegantly flicked Mitchell Starc for a boundary in the first over. However, Virat Kohli (0) fell shortly after, mistiming a pull shot off Josh Hazlewood and finding a fielder in the deep.
Undeterred, Rohit maintained his aggressive approach, particularly against Starc, whose second over proved to be his most expensive in T20Is, conceding 29 runs. Rohit's aerial drives over extra cover accounted for the first two sixes of the over, followed by a powerful strike into the cow corner region. The fourth six came from a mishit that sailed over the wicketkeeper's head.

Rohit's 87-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (15 off 14) further solidified India's position. Pant greeted Adam Zampa, Australia's key spinner, with a six over long-on, but Zampa ended his spell wicketless. Another highlight of Rohit's innings was his one-knee six off Pat Cummins over deep mid-wicket in the bowler's first over.
India deserve praise for preventing any bowler from finding their rhythm. Rohit reached his half-century with a single at the conclusion of the fifth over, which was also the quickest of the tournament.

When Marcus Stoinis entered the attack in the eighth over, Rohit unleashed a six over extra cover. Rohit's innings was so authoritative that he could choose his spot against all the renowned bowlers.

It could have been a well-earned century, but Starc returned to dismiss the Indian captain with a yorker.
Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 15), Hardik Pandya (27 not out off 17), and Shivam Dube (28 off 22) also contributed, but India failed to capitalize on the final five overs, scoring only 43 runs while losing one wicket.
While his teammates conceded runs, Hazlewood appeared to be bowling on a different surface, giving away only 14 runs and taking one wicket in his four overs.