India started well but fell apart in the middle overs, losing the semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 to Australia by a big margin. Shiamak Unwalla brings the highlights of India’s innings. READ: Australia crush by India by 95 runs, qualify for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final
1. India race at the start: Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma got India off to an ideal start, taking on Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Johnson. India raced away to 76 for no loss in the 13th over, but Dhawan’s dismissal for a 41-ball 45 proved to be the turning point. India vs Australia Semi-Final: Australian innings highlights
2. Mitchell Johnson vs Virat Kohli: Ravichandran Ashwin won the first of the big battles, getting the better of Glenn Maxwell in just two balls. Sadly for the Indian fans though, the Johnson vs Kohli battle ended in similar fashion: after playing a dot ball, Kohli went for a pull and top-edged to Brad Haddin. Full Scorecard: India vs Australia, ICC World Cup 2015 Semi-Final 2 at Sydney Full Scorecard: India vs Australia, ICC World Cup 2015 Semi-Final 2 at Sydney
3. The collapse: India went from 76 for no loss to 108 for four, sapping all momentum from the chase. Dhawan’s dismissal triggered the collapse, but each wicket was like a death knell for India, who had managed to pull off steep chases thanks to partnerships — something India failed to manage. Top 10 bowlers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
4. MS Dhoni leaves it too late: It was a big chase, and India were in trouble. Who else was going to save the sinking ship but MS Dhoni? He was not supported at the other end though, as the top order had left too much for him and Ajinkya Rahane. He batted well, but perhaps left too much too late, as Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja both fell in the quest for runs. As long as Dhoni was there India had a chance, but once he was run out for run-a-ball 65 India’s hopes died with him. Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
5. Left-arm seamers quell India: Mitchell Johnson got rid of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, James Faulkner dismissed Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohit Sharma, and Mitchell Starc accounted for Ajinkya Rahane and Umesh Yadav. Between the three left-arm pacers, Australia snared seven Indian wickets. Australia will be hoping for a repeat performance against Brendon McCullum’s Black Caps. Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
6. Neighbour vs neighbour in the final: For the second time in two World Cups, it will be two neighbours — and co-hosts — in the final. New Zealand and Australia would be glad to play a game as close as their last encounter, in which New Zealand triumphed by one wicket. That was in New Zealand though, while the final will be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The final is sure to be a thrilling one between two evenly-matched sides. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek and Cricket fanatic. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)
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