Published: Mar 26, 2015, 07:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 31, 2016, 12:28 PM (IST)
(India (IND) take on Australia (AUS) in the second semi-final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 here. Catch the live cricket scores and updates of the match here)
See you all in the final, with the Trans-Tasman rivalry once again on the fore. Australia, the four-time champions taking on the first time finalists, New Zealand. Goodbye for now!
Not many gave India any chance to do good on the tour of Australia, leave aside the World Cup. But without many experienced players and lack of support, they fared far, far, far better than what was expected. They went down fighting in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15, and then gave a miss to the triangular series to prepare well for the World Cup. Again, no one expected India to do well. But to lose one out of eight matches in a tournament as massive as the World Cup, the young guns certainly have made India proud. Let me take the opportunity to make a personal appeal: please let there be no stinging criticism. Indian cricketers have done more than what was expected, and they truly deserve a break before they head back again to action in the IPL, which begins April 8.
So, to set things straight and clear: Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not retiring from ODI cricket, as the rumours started spreading fast towards the end of the Indian innings.
Here are Dhoni’s comments over the speculations: “When we played the tri-series we had a lot of problems to deal with. We were here for two months, and we’re here for another two months. It’s important to have good dressing room atmosphere. It’s easier to get back into to form. The fast bowlers have done well, the spinners to have done well. Disappointed we couldn’t go into the final but only one team can go into the final. [About retirement] It’s upto you guys, media can do their research on it. Whatever you write, it will be the exact opposite.“
MS Dhoni: I think Australia played good cricket. Over 300 is difficult to chase. It was looking like they had scored 340-350. Was not worried about the spinners. I felt the fast bowlers could have been better. When inn knockout games you have to lift your game. We got off to a good start. Dhawan’s dismissal was soft. Few more overs and we could have done something else. There were too many runs to chase. It becomes difficult. Overall good exposure for the young players. Lower order needs to work hard in their batting. I am not sure about this is my last World Cup. Want to see around next T20 World Cup and see how my body reacts. I want to thank the fans, the Indian fans in Australia. Thanks to the Aussie fans and those traveling from India. Bit disappointing for them but only one team can win.
Michael Clarke: Really excited. Boys have played outstanding cricket. Proud of their execution in pressure. Everyone chipped in today. Huge congrats to Dhoni and the Indian team they have competed really well. It has been a really tough and long summer. I head you asking Dhoni about his last World Cup. I am pretty sure he has lot of cricket left in him and this is not his last World Cup. We played good cricket, we have improved in every game. We have trained really well. We will go to Melbourne tomorrow morning but we will make sure we recover well. Mentally we are ready, physically we may need a few days. India are always tough, Brendon has been leading the side really well. Always great to win against these two tough sides.
This will be the sixth final which Australia will be playing, and New Zealand will be in for their first.
Man of the Match is Steven Smith, he gets the award from Aravinda de Silva. Smith has continued to hurt India and he did it again. “We knew we had to bowl and field well after getting 300 and we did that. Glad to get over the line. Bring on Melbourne. I am happy with where the things are. I head the nick and I was pretty confident about it. I hope to continue [good form]. It is going to be amazing. Cannot wait for Sunday,” says Steven Smith.
Fireworks all around in Sydney as the two hosts of this World Cup will now be meeting in the final. It was a strange chase from India as after three wickets it never looked like they were in the chase. Australia take the revenge of their last World Cup exit, crushing India by 95 runs and setting up the big final with the high-flying New Zealand. Here is Nishad Pai Vaidya’s final report of the match between India and Australia.
LIVE SCORE India 233 in 46.5 Overs: Indian fans have started to leave the SCG. Starc comes on to bowl. Umesh Yadav gets a nasty bouncer, he is hit on the chin. Looks like he is bleeding. That was not needed. And it is all over! Starc cleans up Umesh as India have crashed out of the World Cup! NOT OUT: Mohammed Shami 1 (1)
OUT! Umesh Yadav b Mitchell Starc 0 (5)
LIVE SCORE India 232/9 in 46 Overs: Ashwin and Mohit Sharma cleaned up by James Faulkner, who is now on a hat-trick chance. Umesh Yadav does well to brings his bat down on time and keep the ignominy away from the Indian team. BATTING: Mohammed Shami 0 (0)
OUT! Ravichandran Ashwin c James Faulkner 5 (13)
OUT! Mohit Sharma c James Faulkner 0 (1)
LIVE SCORE India 232/7 in 45 Overs: Mohammed Shami has joined R Ashwin in the middle with India possibly looking out to bat the remaining overs. 97 needed from 30. BATTING: Ravichandran Ashwin 5 (9), Mohammed Shami 0 (0)
LIVE SCORE India 231/7 in 44.3 Overs: Ashwin gets a beamer from Starc, who has three overs left out of six in this game. India looking out of contest completely. And it seems all over for them with Dhoni being run out! India all but out of this World Cup!!! Dhoni is run out while trying to take a single, a good direct hit from Glenn Maxwell ends a surprisingly quiet innings from the Indian skipper. BATTING: Ravichandran Ashwin 3 (5)
OUT! MS Dhoni run out 65 (65),
LIVE SCORE India 228/6 in 44 Overs: Johnson is being given some respect here. Indians deal only in singles. Asking rate has jumped to 16 now. India need at least four big overs. Johnson has been bowled out. BATTING: MS Dhoni 64 (62), Ravichandran Ashwin 3 (5)
LIVE SCORE India 223/6 in 43 Overs: Finally, Dhoni launches himself as the first two balls to Watson are hit out of the park, with the Indian captain raising his 58th ODI half-century. Changes in the field settings. Single off the third ball. Run rate drops a shade below 15. Ashwin misses on fourth ball, takes single on the fifth. Dhoni takes single on the last ball. 102 needed off 42. BATTING: MS Dhoni 61 (58), Ravichandran Ashwin 1 (3)
LIVE SCORE India 208/6 in 42 Overs: Ashwin is beaten outside the off as Australia continue to dominate India. The defending champions have played poorly, asking rate is now past 15 an over. BATTING: MS Dhoni 47 (54), Ravichandran Ashwin 0 (1)
LIVE SCORE India 208/6 in 41.5 Overs: India anxiously waiting for Dhoni to launch. But he is still going on as if he is playing a different match. The asking rate has quietly soared past 14 an over. And there it is, a run out! Jadeja falls short of the crease as Steven Smith continues to do everything right. BATTING: MS Dhoni 47 (54),
OUT! Ravindra Jadeja run out 16 (17)
LIVE SCORE India 204/5 in 41 Overs: Dhoni finally mishits one, the ball goes high in the air and Michael Clarke drops the tough chance. 200 up for India. Jadeja cracks one through point to get a much-needed boundary. India still believe they can win this. BATTING: MS Dhoni 45 (51), Ravindra Jadeja 14 (15)
LIVE SCORE India 196/5 in 40 Overs: Faulkner gets an inside edge off Dhoni’s bat but the ball misses the wickets. The Indian captain is batting with lot of calmness, unperturbed with the asking rate going past 12 an over. Four runs from the over. Need 133 from 10 overs. BATTING: MS Dhoni 42 (49), Ravindra Jadeja 9 (11)
LIVE SCORE India 192/5 in 39 Overs: Starc continues. India dealing in singles. Starc is disciplined but loses line on the final ball, which is hit for a four down the ground by Jadeja. India need 137 more to win from 66 balls. BATTING: MS Dhoni 40 (46), Ravindra Jadeja 7 (8)
LIVE SCORE India 183/5 in 38 Overs: Faulkner continues. The asking rate is well past 11 now and one wonders when will there be a counter attack, or if there be one! India are not looking to score quick runs with Dhoni still dealing in singles. India need 146 more to win from 72 balls. BATTING: MS Dhoni 38 (42), Ravindra Jadeja 3 (6)
LIVE SCORE India 179/5 in 37 Overs: Still a little bit of batting left for India but one of them will have to go all out against the Aussies. Ravindra Jadeja is in after Rahane’s wicket. Dhoni will not keep many hopes as the left-hander has not had a ood time with the bat. BATTING: MS Dhoni 36 (40), Ravindra Jadeja 1 (2)
LIVE SCORE India 178/5 in 36.2 Overs: See the ball not the bowler. See the runs to get not the asking rate. Sounds good? Australia think they have a DRS review and take one against Rahane who was beaten outside the off stump by Starc. And it is OUT! Rahane has fallen!!! What a soft dismissal! BATTING: MS Dhoni 35 (37)
OUT! Ajinkya Rahane c Brad Haddin b Mitchell Starc 44 (68),
LIVE SCORE India 177/4 in 36 Overs: India have taken the batting powerplay. Dhoni finds the gap very late in the over, on the fifth ball to hit past point for a boundary. India still keeping their hopes alive. Seven runs added off Faulkner. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 44 (67), MS Dhoni 35 (37)
LIVE SCORE India 170/4 in 35 Overs: India need one of these to go berserk now as the asking rate is continuing to rise. Couple of nervous faces in the dressing room and rightly so. Both Dhoni and Rahane know they have to launch an attack now, singles and doubles will not be enough. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 43 (65), MS Dhoni 29 (33)
LIVE SCORE India 165/4 in 34 Overs: Watson into the attack. FOUR! Rahane dances down the track and smashes Watson over his head. Much needed boundary for India. DOT! Played straight back to Watson. DOT! Rahane steps out again, swing and a miss. TWO! Run delicately down to third man. ONE! Short delivery, top edged, one bounce to the fielder to fine leg. ONE down to covers to finish. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 40 (62), MS Dhoni 27 (30)
LIVE SCORE India 157/4 in 33 Overs: Johnson comes back to attack and he is not very accurate with his line and length. Lucky for Rahane as he swings hard, gets an edge and the ball flies past Michael Clarke at first slip. Much-needed boundary for India. They need many, many more. Time for drinks. India now need 10 runs an over to win. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 33 (57), MS Dhoni 26 (29)
LIVE SCORE India 150/4 in 32 Overs: Rahane is not able to find gaps and runs as he is middling the ball well but not able to get runs. He pulls one short off Watson and the ball falls way short of the deep square leg fielder. 150 up for India in 32 overs. They need another 179 runs to win from 19 overs. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 28 (54), MS Dhoni 25 (26)
LIVE SCORE India 148/4 in 31 Overs: Dhoni tries to break the shackles with a four down the ground off Hazlewood. The remainder of the over is again a quiet one with the batsmen dealing in singles. Dhoni swings and swings hard, gets a four over the first slip. 10 runs scored from the over. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 27 (49), MS Dhoni 24 (25)
LIVE SCORE India 138/4 in 30 Overs: Shane Watson comes into the attack. India must start scoring quick runs now because there is no point delaying stuff and then collapsing. Rahane collects two runs off the final ball. India now need 191 runs from 20 overs. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 26 (46), MS Dhoni 15 (22)
LIVE SCORE India 133/4 in 29 Overs: Hazlewood has been very efficient now with 20 runs in seven overs. Looks like Clarke will bowl him out here, piling more pressure on India. Dhoni hits the first ball in the air, falls safely ahead of the third man. Three runs off the first five balls. Last ball is a dot. The run rate is past nine an over now. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 23 (44), MS Dhoni 14 (18)
LIVE SCORE India 130/4 in 28 Overs: Boundaries have dried up as Indian batsmen are only dealing in singles and doubles at the moment. The asking rate is touching nine and India will need to pick up their scoring rate. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 23 (43), MS Dhoni 11 (13)
LIVE SCORE India 125/4 in 27 Overs: Not something expected from Dhoni as he pulls one short from Faulkner and the ball drops short of the fielder in the deep on the leg side. Nervous moment for whole of India. Lucky for Dhoni once again as an outside edge flies past the first slip. . BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 22 (41), MS Dhoni 7 (9)
LIVE SCORE India 121/4 in 26 Overs: Slowly but steadily India will have to find their feet back. Dhoni and Rahane do well to add six more to the total. Overs are not the key, innings can be accelerated towards the end. Preserving wickets is the key. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 20 (37), MS Dhoni 5 (7)
LIVE SCORE India 115/4 in 25 Overs: Faulkner is bowling decently with the runs completely drying up for India and their middle-order collapsing. From 76 for one they have stumbled to this and the entire onus is on Rahane and Dhoni. Five runs take in that over. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 17 (34), MS Dhoni 2 (4)
LIVE SCORE India 110/4 in 24 Overs: Mahendra Singh Dhoni walks out to bat, in possibly what could be his final innings in World Cup cricket. India are in dire straits, need 219 runs at about 8.5 runs an over with six wickets in hand. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 13 (30), MS Dhoni 1 (2)
LIVE SCORE India 108/4 in 23 Overs: Indians bring up their 100 run mark but they have perhaps lost couple of key batsmen. Maxwell continues as India add four runs off him. What! Raina tries to run one down the third man but gets an edge and Haddin takes a fine catch! India in deep trouble! BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 12 (26),
OUT! Suresh Raina c Brad Haddin b James Faulkner 7 (11)
LIVE SCORE India 102/3 in 22 Overs: Faulkner has been brought back into the attack. Raina takes a single on the second ball and the third is again a dot from Rahane. Raina opens up, picks a poor delivery to slam it towards midwicket for a boundary. . BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 11 (24), Suresh Raina 2 (7)
LIVE SCORE India 98/3 in 21 Overs: Starc continues. Half-hearted appeal for caught behind on a short ball that Rahane tried to pull. Raina defends but Starc throws one back to the batsman. The ball hits on the pads and Starc appeals to the umpire that Raina was blocking. And here we are! The famous Australian sledging has begun. Starc has a mouthful for Raina after bowling a short ball. Rahane talks to Raina, perhaps asking him to keep calm. Starc looses concentration. Bowls a wide. Final delivery is a dot. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 9 (20), Suresh Raina 0 (5)
LIVE SCORE India 95/3 in 20 Overs: Bit of a let up for India as Glenn Maxwell is into the attack. Rahane takes a single on the fourth ball. The last thing India would want is to lose a wicket to Maxwell. Asking rate is just inching towards eight an over. Inside edge off the final delivery but Raina is safe. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 8 (17), Suresh Raina 0 (2)
LIVE SCORE India 94/3 in 19 Overs: Look who is here! Mitchell Starc as Clarke now wants to keep striking! Rahane does well to keep the bouncers down. Rahane then pushes one down the ground for two runs. India need 235 more runs to win from 31 overs with seven wickets in hand. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 7 (13), Suresh Raina 0 (0)
LIVE SCORE India 91/3 in 18 Overs: Johnson is operating with a short leg in place. Rahane does well to keep two bouncers down and Rohit then takes a single on the third delivery. Both Rahane and Rohit have huge responsibility to keep India afloat. Rohit gets full marks to give it back to Johnson, swinging the bat real hard to hit a six over midwicket. But then! Johnson cleans up ROHIT! OUT! The right hander gets an inside edge and the ball clips the bails. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 4 (7)
OUT! Rohit Sharma b Mitchell Johnson 34 (48)
LIVE SCORE India 82/2 in 17 Overs: Australia have pulled back things in control s they were always expected to. Hazlewood has done an excellent job so far in the second spell to keep the Indians quiet. India now need 247 runs to win from 33 overs. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 27 (45), Ajinkya Rahane 2 (4)
LIVE SCORE India 80/2 in 16 Overs: Ajinkya Rahane gets a nasty bouncer which he does well to keep it down. India add two runs but lose their key batsman. Will there be a hero for India in this match? BATTING: Rohit Sharma 26 (42), Ajinkya Rahane 1 (1)
LIVE SCORE India 78/2 in 15.3 Overs: BIG WICKET!!! Kohli tries to pull but gets a leading edge, and Brad Haddin is not going to miss these dollies. Big blow to India and their confidence! Mitchell Johnson has a wicket and that too of Virat Kohli! BATTING: Rohit Sharma 24 (38),
OUT! Virat Kohli c Brad Haddin b Mitchell Johnson 1 (13)
WATCH: Virat Kohli falls for one run
LIVE SCORE India 77/1 in 15 Overs: Kohli tries to poke one delivery outside off and is beaten by Hazlewood on the second ball. The run rate will surely go down with a wicket falling and new batsman taking his time to get the eye in. He is watchful against Hazlewood. Maiden over from the bowler. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 24 (38), Virat Kohli 1 (12)
LIVE SCORE India 77/1 in 14 Overs: Kohli is watchful as he needs to get a big one here in this crunch match. Johnson keeps the line tight and the Indian batsman is able to take a single only on the last ball. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 24 (38), Virat Kohli 1 (6)
LIVE SCORE India 76/1 in 13 Overs: Australia have finally made the breakthrough but India have to ensure that they keep scoring runs and also do not lose their way. Virat Kohli has walked out to bat amid huge cheer as well as boos. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 24 (38), Virat Kohli 0 (0)
LIVE SCORE India 73/1 in 12.5 Overs: Desperate Clarke brings back Hazlewood who starts with a delivery on the leg stump, not a wide as the ball brushes the pads. Rohit mishits a short ball on midwicket region in the air to collect two runs. OH dear! Dhawan has fallen! He dances down the wicket to hit on the off side but finds Glenn Maxwell in the deep! Australia finally get a wicket! BATTING: Rohit Sharma 24 (37),
OUT! Shikhar Dhawan c Glenn Maxwell b Josh Hazlewood 45 (41)
LIVE SCORE India 73/0 in 12 Overs: Faulkner continues as Dhawan slams a four straight down the ground to hit a four off the first ball. The second delivery is way down the leg side, wide. The nest delivery is in the zone and Dhawan slams it down the ground for another four! India on a roll here! The fourth delivery is short and hit to third man for a single. Australia clueless, where the first wicket will come from? Dhawan has now scored 400+ runs in this World Cup. 13 runs from the over. India now need 256 runs to win from 38 overs. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 21 (33), Shikhar Dhawan 45 (40)
LIVE SCORE India 60/0 in 11 Overs: Would you believe this? One big over and Clarke has men guarding the boundaries! Johnson continues as India are now roaring with a strong start. Another good over for India as they add five runs off it. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 20 (32), Shikhar Dhawan 34 (35)
LIVE SCORE India 55/0 in 10 Overs: Hazlewood has also been taken off the attack and James Faulkner starts off with a big no ball. Dhawan rams the third ball through covers for four! What a shot!!! Dhawan is on fire! The next delivery is again a four through covers and then a massive six over midwicket. 50 up for India!!! BATTING: Rohit Sharma 19 (30), Shikhar Dhawan 32 (31)
LIVE SCORE India 39/0 in 9 Overs: Johnson comes around the wicket and Dhawan punches the first ball through covers for two runs. What a shot! Dhawan gets room on the third ball and he punches for a four! Johnson can rethink his strategy now. Six runs from the over. India now need 290 runs to win from 41 overs. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 18 (28), Shikhar Dhawan 18 (26)
LIVE SCORE India 33/0 in 8 Overs: Dhawan pulls one for a single to the third man off Hazlewood, as the Indian openers look to pick up the scoring rate after seeing off the initial overs. Good strategy I say. Wickets still remain the key and India now need to convert this strong start into a big partnership. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 18 (28), Shikhar Dhawan 12 (20)
LIVE SCORE India 30/0 in 7 Overs: TAKE THAT, JOHNSON! Rohit slams one miles above the fine leg fielder for a massive six to welcome Mitchell Johnson! What a strike that was! Johnson keeps it tight in the remaining four balls of the over. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 17 (25), Shikhar Dhawan 10 (17)
LIVE SCORE India 24/0 in 6 Overs: Bit of a tussle between Dhawan and Hazlewood as Rohit called for a single and both the bowler and Indian left-hander ran together in the same direction. Hazlewood pushed Dhawan with his shoulders. The final ball is pushed through covers by Dhawan as they add two more runs. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 11 (19), Shikhar Dhawan 10 (17)
LIVE SCORE India 20/0 in 5 Overs: Indian batsmen are opening up now. Rohit hits between mid on and short midwicket to collect three runs off Starc’s third ball. Loud appeal for a leg before as a yorker rams directly on Dhawan’s pads. Looks like it was going down the leg. Australia opt against the DRS review. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 11 (17), Shikhar Dhawan 7 (12)
LIVE SCORE India 15/0 in 4 Overs: Dhawan breaks the shackles as he pulls one towards midwicket for a four off Hazlewood. DROPPED! Dhawan charges down and gets an edge, and you cannot believe that it is Brad Haddin of all people who has SPILLED the catch! Dhawan gets a mandatory lifeline that he has been getting throughout this World Cup. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 8 (15), Shikhar Dhawan 6 (9)
LIVE SCORE India 9/0 in 3 Overs: That was close! Dhawan gets an in-swinging delivery and there is an inside edge that hits on the pads. Dhawan walks down on a delivery that was drifted down the leg side. Full toss to Rohit and he hits it straight to the third man fielder. Key for India is to not lose wickets early on. The runs will come once the initial pressure is off their shoulders. Dhawan does well do defend a couple of deliveries confidently. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 7 (12), Shikhar Dhawan 1 (6)
LIVE SCORE India 7/0 in 2 Overs: Josh Hazlewood to bowl the second over as David Warner saves a certain four at point. Shikhar Dhawan takes a single and then Rohit sees off the next two balls. Lucky for Rohit!!! He tries to pull a short delivery but does no connect well, the ball falls safely behind Haddin. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 6 (11), Shikhar Dhawan 1 (1)
LIVE SCORE India 4/0 in 1 Over: Mitchell Starc beats Rohit Sharma first ball as India start their run-chase. India need to pay Starc the respect they had for Dale Steyn, as the Aussie seamer will be itching to go past Trent Boult as the leading wicket-taker. An outside edge! Shane Watson is not sure whether he took the catch cleanly or not, TV replays show the ball hit the ground as Watson took the catch. NOT OUT! Rohit needs to be careful here. He has been on and off in this World Cup. The fifth ball is in the zone, and Rohit hits it for four past point. EDGE AGAIN! Falls short to Clarke in the second slip! BATTING: Rohit Sharma 4 (6), Shikhar Dhawan 0 (0)
Australia will feel they have scored enough to tame the Indian batsmen, as the pressure games always tend to get over the mind and make the batsmen commit mistakes. Australia’s bowling attack is going to come hard on India, certainly a big test. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are out there in the middle…
Australia have done well to set a 329-run target, and India have an uphill task ahead of them in order to chase it down successfully. No team has ever chased 300 ever in World Cup knockout game, and against this bowling attack, India will really have to pull off a good batting show here. They not only need strong partnerships in the middle but also an aggressive start, which can help them garner couple of quick runs in the beginning. Here is Nishad Pai Vaidya’s innings report of Australia setting 329-run target vs India. Stay tuned!
LIVE SCORE Australia 328/7 in 50 Overs: Johnson hits on the leg side to collect two runs off Mohit’s first ball and then a single in the same area. DROPPED! Haddin pick a slower one, hits to midwicket and Kohli fails to collect the ball despite three attempts. Johnson rubs it in with a four on a full toss over mid off. The second last ball is slow again, and guess what, Johnson sends it flying over the ropes! . BATTING: Brad Haddin 7 (7), Mitchell Johnson 27 (9)
LIVE SCORE Australia 313/7 in 49 Overs: Mitchell Johnson connects one as he slams a four past Virat Kohli at mid on. The left-hander then makes room to hit over the fielders in the ring on the off side and Umesh fails to save a boundary despite the dive. Johnson is riding his luck, the fifth ball is hit over the short third man in the air for four. Good stuff from Johnson. BATTING: Brad Haddin 6 (6), Mitchell Johnson 13 (4)
LIVE SCORE Australia 299/7 in 48 Overs: All eyes are on Haddin now as Australia need more runs in the last two overs. Mitchell Johnson is the new man in. BATTING: Brad Haddin 5 (5), Mitchell Johnson 0 (0)
LIVE SCORE Australia 298/7 in 47.5 Overs: Mohit continues as Watson pierces gap on the off side to hit a four. Lucky for him as a stroke in the air on leg side falls in no man’s land. Watson improvises as he slams one on midwicket for another four. And then, finally slower delivery works for Mohit as Watto is caught in the deep! BATTING: Brad Haddin 4 (3)
OUT! Shane Watson c Ajinkya Rahane b Mohit Sharma 28 (30),
LIVE SCORE Australia 288/6 in 47 Overs: Brad Haddin is the new man in and after two dot balls he smashes a four right down the ground. India need to ensure they do not give away too many runs now. BATTING: Shane Watson 18 (25), Brad Haddin 4 (3)
LIVE SCORE Australia 284/6 in 46.3 Overs: Watson hits one really hard but straight to the fielder at deep midwicket. Faulkner shows hot it is done — he beats the man at the same position to hit a four. And then Umesh Yadav shows India how it is done! CLEANED UP! Faulker is GONE!!!. BATTING: Shane Watson 18 (25),
OUT! James Faulkner b Umesh Yadav 21 (12)
LIVE SCORE Australia 279/5 in 46 Overs: Jadeja comes on for the final over and Faulkner rams a six over midwicket to start off. The spinner then does well to keep the batsmen tied up in the remainder of the over with three dot balls. BATTING: Shane Watson 17 (24), James Faulkner 17 (10)
LIVE SCORE Australia 271/5 in 45 Overs: Watson hits over the fielders on the off side to collect three runs off Shami. Important for India to keep picking wickets. Faulkner gets his first four, over MS Dhoni’s head with a top edge. The fourth ball is again short, and Faulkner hits a four on deep square leg. BATTING: Shane Watson 16 (20), James Faulkner 10 (8)
LIVE SCORE Australia 258/5 in 44 Overs: Ashwin comes on for the final over. And he starts with three dot balls to Watson. The batsman than hits to the long on fielder for two runs. A good over is spoiled on the final ball, with Watson connecting one to hit a six. BATTING: Shane Watson 13 (18), James Faulkner 1 (4)
LIVE SCORE Australia 250/5 in 43 Overs: James Faulkner is the new man in and he is Australia’s last big hope for a 300+ total. Important for India to maintain pressure and keep taking wickets. 250 up for Australia, something which should have happened many overs ago. BATTING: Shane Watson 5 (12), James Faulkner 1 (4)
LIVE SCORE Australia 248/5 in 42.1 Overs: Clarke is someone who can bat in the middle overs, not slog towards the end of an innings when the pressure is really high. He falls in the trap, caught at short midwicket off Mohit Sharma. Catch taken by Rohit Sharma. Sharma’s in operation for India! BATTING: Shane Watson 4 (11),
OUT! Michael Clarke c Rohit Sharma b Mohit Sharma 10 (12)
LIVE SCORE Australia 248/4 in 42 Overs: Clarke breaks the shackles with a four on the leg side to start off Jadeja’s over. India have done well to put the breaks on Australia’s charge here. BATTING: Shane Watson 4 (11), Michael Clarke 10 (11)
LIVE SCORE Australia 241/4 in 41 Overs: Jadeja covers a lot of ground and stops the ball diving to his left. See, how couple of wickets can lift a side! Runs have stopped coming easily for the Aussies and they are in a dilemma clearly now. Excellent over from Shami. BATTING: Shane Watson 3 (9), Michael Clarke 4 (7)
LIVE SCORE Australia 239/4 in 40 Overs: What will Clarke and Watson do now? Stabilise or accelerate? Jadeja is back into attack and Australia deal with singles. India have applied breaks on the Aussies and that too in style! Four runs off the over. BATTING: Shane Watson 2 (5), Michael Clarke 3 (5)
LIVE SCORE Australia 235/4 in 39 Overs: Bad move from Clarke as he has promoted himself ahead of James Faulkner. Australia are on backfoot with India bouncing back in commanding manner. Another excellent over for India! BATTING: Shane Watson
0 (3), Michael Clarke 1 (1)
LIVE SCORE Australia 233/4 in 38.2 Overs: THERE IT IS!!! Another wicket for India as Umesh Yadav gets Aaron Finch caught at short midwicket. India right back on top and Australia in tremendous pressure! BATTING: Shane Watson 0 (0)
OUT! Aaron Finch c Shikhar Dhawan b Umesh Yadav 81 (116)
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: AARON FINCH 81 OFF 116 BALLS
LIVE SCORE Australia 233/3 in 38 Overs: Shane Watson is the new man in as the whole of India has taken a HUGE sigh of relief. Good comeback by India with couple of wickets, BATTING: Aaron Finch 81 (114), Shane Watson 0 (0)
LIVE SCORE Australia 231/3 in 37.3 Overs: Maxwell vs Ashwin now. And Ashwin wins the battle!!! Maxwell falls as Australia lose a HUGE WICKET!!! Maxwell blocks one but fails to control himself, plays one straight down to the man at square leg. Ashwin strikes and man what a wicket!!! BATTING: Aaron Finch 79 (110),
OUT! Glenn Maxwell c Ajinkya Rahane b Ravichandran Ashwin 23 (14)
LIVE SCORE Australia 231/2 in 37 Overs: Another appeal for leg before but Finch was hit above the knee roll. Maxwell gets a loose delivery on the pads which he puts away for a boundary. The third delivery is a gift, outside off and Maxwell sends it flying into the stands. Runs continue to flow for Australia, Maxwell makes room to smash a four over the bowler’s head. 15 runs added. BATTING: Aaron Finch 79 (110), Glenn Maxwell 23 (12)
LIVE SCORE Australia 216/2 in 36 Overs: Maxwell gets a leading edge and the ball falls safely behind Dhoni as the batsman adds two runs off Shami’s first ball. The bowler puts one short and Finch gets a four on the fine leg region. Maxwell once again hits in the air, ball falls short to the third man. BATTING: Aaron Finch 79 (109), Glenn Maxwell 9 (7)
LIVE SCORE Australia 206/2 in 35 Overs: Umesh is erratic after that wicket as he bowls a couple of wides down the leg side. Maxwell begins with a four on the leg side as Umesh continues to struggle with his line. 200 up for Australia. BATTING: Aaron Finch 73 (106), Glenn Maxwell 5 (4)
LIVE SCORE Australia 197/2 in 34.1 Overs: OUT! Steven Smith is fallen on the first ball to Umesh Yadav as he is caught in the deep square leg, after a brilliant century. And as expected, the most dangerous of them all, Glenn Maxwell, has walked out to bat. If India need to remain in this contest, they will have to find a way to get rid of Maxwell very soon. Or else a total of 400 could be possible. BATTING: Aaron Finch 73 (105),
OUT! Steven Smith c Rohit Sharma b Umesh Yadav 105 (93)
VIDEO: STEVEN SMITH FALLS AFTER 93-BALL 105
LIVE SCORE Australia 197/1 in 34 Overs: Mohit bowls one slow and short and Finch sends it flying over the ropes on the off side for a six! Australia are picking up on their scoring rate ad the fourth ball, again a slower one, is hit down the ground by Smith. Australia making most of the batting powerplay. This is highest partnership versus India in this World Cup. Another four over short fine leg to end the over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 73 (105), Steven Smith 105 (92)
LIVE SCORE Australia 181/1 in 33 Overs: Shami is back into the attack as India realise they need a wicket desperately. Smith is beaten on the third ball but the fourth is slammed over midwicket boundary for another six! The right-hander gets a four on the final ball, bringing up his century off just 89 balls!!! BATTING: Aaron Finch 62 (102), Steven Smith 100 (89)
LIVE SCORE Australia 167/1 in 32 Overs: Ashwin continues for his eighth over as Australia continue to get runs easily. Finch and Smith have taken their stand past 150 runs. A misfield from Rohit gets another run to them on the off side. Six more runs added. BATTING: Aaron Finch 62 (102), Steven Smith 86 (83)
LIVE SCORE Australia 161/1 in 31 Overs: Smith hits one down the ground for a four off Mohit on the second ball. Loud, desperate appeal for leg-before as Finch was hit once again on the pads. Height was the issue and the impact was outside off. Six more runs added to the total. BATTING: Aaron Finch 57 (97), Steven Smith 85 (82)
LIVE SCORE Australia 155/1 in 30 Overs: Certainly, Indian camp would be disappointed with no wicket coming from Ashwin and Jadeja. Australia have been scoring more than five an over. Good over from Ashwin as only two runs were taken. BATTING: Aaron Finch 56 (94), Steven Smith 80 (79)
LIVE SCORE Australia 153/1 in 29 Overs: Change in the bowling attack as Mohit Sharma comes on, and beats Smith outside off on the first ball. Both Smith and Finch have ran very well between the wickets, giving the Indians no chance whatsoever. 150 up for Australia in the 29th over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 55 (89), Steven Smith 79 (78)
LIVE SCORE Australia 147/1 in 28 Overs: Ashwin continues. It’s been a struggle for India so far after the initial burst, Dhoni would be thinking as to how keep Australia below 300. Four more runs added off Ashwin’s sixth over in the innings. Meanwhile, Anushka Sharma has been spotted in the stand at the SCG. BATTING: Aaron Finch 54 (88), Steven Smith 74 (73)
LIVE SCORE Australia 143/1 in 27 Overs: Aaron Finch brings up his half-century as Australians continue to score runs easily off India’s two best bowlers. Smith dances down the wicket to end the over with a four. BATTING: Aaron Finch 51 (83), Steven Smith 73 (72)
LIVE SCORE Australia 135/1 in 26 Overs: Appeal for run out as the ball brushed Ashwin’s finger before hitting the non-strikers’ end’s wickets. Finch makes it in on time. Fine over from Ashwin as first five balls only get a single. Three runs from the over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 49 (81), Steven Smith 67 (68)
LIVE SCORE Australia 132/1 in 25 Overs: Jadeja appeals for a caught behind against Finch as the ball had hit the pads and Dhoni took the catch. Smith then rubs it in with a six over midwicket region, rocking back into the crease. . BATTING: Aaron Finch 47 (80), Steven Smith 66 (63)
LIVE SCORE Australia 123/1 in 24 Overs: India have lost their only review and things are getting tougher for them. Finch and Smith are batting excellently against the slow bowlers, and they are collecting runs at ease. Another five runs added off Ashwin’s over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 46 (76), Steven Smith 59 (61)
LIVE SCORE Australia 118/1 in 23 Overs: Full marks to Smith and Finch as they bring up the 100-run stand for the second wicket. India looking a little clueless right now, are only able to contain. But then, boundaries are being hit as well. Jadeja traps Finch on the pads. He appeals, is confident and talks Dhoni into taking a DRS review. Impact was outside the off stump, shows the review. Finch survives! BATTING: Aaron Finch 44 (73), Steven Smith 55 (58)
LIVE SCORE Australia 114/1 in 22 Overs: Ashwin is getting some sharp turn, but the third delivery is loose, outside off and Finch cuts it well for a boundary. The Aussie opener has been slow and edgy but has survived so far. Do not see a wicket coming from anywhere by the look of things. BATTING: Aaron Finch 42 (69), Steven Smith 53 (56)
LIVE SCORE Australia 107/1 in 21 Overs: Jadeja continues. India attacking with slow bowlers, need wickets desperately. Only two runs as Jadeja finishes off another excellent over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 35 (63), Steven Smith 53 (56)
LIVE SCORE Australia 105/1 in 20 Overs: Ashwin is getting lot of turn, as one ball goes between Dhoni and Suresh Raina at first slip as the Australians collect three runs. Perhaps Raina could have ran behind the ball and not reacted how did they miss it. Five runs added by the Aussie batsmen to their team total. BATTING: Aaron Finch 34 (58), Steven Smith 52 (55)
LIVE SCORE Australia 100/1 in 19 Overs: Change in the ends for Ravindra Jadeja. He does extremely well to keep the batsmen tied up as only two runs were scored. Steven Smith brings up his half-century, also raises 100-run mark for Australia with a single on the final ball. This is Steven Smith’s fourth consecutive half-century! BATTING: Aaron Finch 34 (54), Steven Smith 50 (53)
LIVE SCORE Australia 98/1 in 18 Overs: And there he is! Ravichandran Ashwin is into the attack now. He starts off with a couple of balls and also generates turn. Inside edge off Steven Smith’s bat on the final ball but the batsman is safe. BATTING: Aaron Finch 33 (52), Steven Smith 49 (49)
LIVE SCORE Australia 96/1 in 17 Overs: Mohit continues post the drinks break. Australia have settled down really well after the initial nervousness. Finch too, as he reads one slow from the bowler really well and hits on the off side for a boundary. Time for Ravi Ashwin? BATTING: Aaron Finch 32 (48), Steven Smith 48 (47)
LIVE SCORE Australia 89/1 in 16 Overs: Finch is opening up as he punches one past the man at extra cover to smash a boundary. Australia have done excellent job so far since Warner’s dismissal, India in need of wickets. Another good over, seven runs added. Time for drinks. BATTING: Aaron Finch 28 (46), Steven Smith 45 (43)
LIVE SCORE Australia 82/1 in 15 Overs: Mohit continues. Australian batsmen deal in singles majorly. Mohit is teasing the Aussies with excellent mix of slow and fast balls. Five runs added off Mohit’s over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 23 (43), Steven Smith 43 (40)
LIVE SCORE Australia 77/1 in 14 Overs: So the Virat Kohli experiment was only for one over and Ravindra Jadeja has come on to bowl. Finch hits on the off side to collect a single on the third ball. Finch and Smith have completed their half-century stand. Smith hits well towards long on to take another single. Fine stroke by Smith once again, on the deep square leg area for three runs. BATTING: Aaron Finch 21 (41), Steven Smith 40 (36)
LIVE SCORE Australia 71/1 in 13 Overs: Mohit drops one short and Finch smashes it for a four. Australia continue to score runs easily and India need wickets to keep the pressure on. Another good over for Australia as seven runs come off it. BATTING: Aaron Finch 19 (37), Steven Smith 36 (34)
LIVE SCORE Australia 64/1 in 12 Overs: What a surprise! MS Dhoni gets Virat Kohli to replace Umesh Yadav. A single is taken on the third ball wby Finch with a stroke down the ground. Fourth delivery is poor, without any pace and is short. Smith rams it for another four. BATTING: Aaron Finch 14 (32), Steven Smith 35 (33)
LIVE SCORE Australia 57/1 in 11 Overs: Mohit Sharma replaces Mohammed Shami. A single is taken on the first ball, Mohit then keeps Smith tied on the strike with couple of slow deliveries. Good start, only one run from the over. BATTING: Aaron Finch 12 (28), Steven Smith 30 (31)
LIVE SCORE Australia 56/1 in 10 Overs: Umesh continues. Smith does well to hit a four on the first ball between point and extra cover. The next delivery is short, and Smith hits past mid on to hit second four in a row. The ball connected toe end of Smith’s bat, and he gets it changed. The scoring continues! Smith gets on top on a short ball and smashes it on deep square leg for third four in the over! Same!!! Exactly the same ball and exactly the same shot. Four boundaries in the over. Smith is on a roll. 16 runs scored from the over, and bring up their 50-run mark. BATTING: Aaron Finch 11 (27), Steven Smith 30 (26)
LIVE SCORE Australia 40/1 in 9 Overs: Shami surprises Finch with a short ball which the batsman hits to the leg side for a single. The next two balls are dots. Smith takes a single with a gentle push on leg side on the fourth ball. Next two balls defended by Finch. BATTING: Aaron Finch 11 (27), Steven Smith 14 (20)
LIVE SCORE Australia 38/1 in 8 Overs: Smith takes a single on the first ball as he pushes on the leg side off Umesh. Finch then hits one through off to take another single. Rare blip? Smith hits in the air and ball dies right before Ravindra Jadeja at point. Single on the fourth ball on fine leg. BATTING: Aaron Finch 10 (24), Steven Smith 13 (17)
LIVE SCORE Australia 34/1 in 7 Overs: Shami continues. The first three balls to Smith are dots, and the batsman then hits to the fine leg fielder to take a single on the fourth. Shami is swinging the ball very well into these right handers. Two runs from the over including one extra. BATTING: Aaron Finch 8 (22), Steven Smith 11 (13)
LIVE SCORE Australia 32/1 in 6 Overs: Umesh hits Smith on the pads who has the habit of shuffling across the wickets. The bowler appeals and then discusses with his captain. Good call as India do not take review and umpire had given it not out. The ball would have flicked the bails. Single on the third ball. What a ball! Umesh bowls one right outside the off stump on good length and Finch was once again beaten. That was fast! Finch replies with hitting one straight to mid on. BATTING: Aaron Finch 8 (20), Steven Smith 10 (9)
LIVE SCORE Australia 31/1 in 5 Overs: Bad ball from Shami on the pads and Finch hits the third boundary of the game down the ground. Two runs taken on the second ball in fine leg region. India cannot let Finch settle down here, he has been fidgety. Next two deliveries are dot. Single on the second last ball, with an outside edge past the man at point. Smith, the man in form, collects three runs as he hits a yorker on the leg side for three runs. BATTING: Aaron Finch 8 (17), Steven Smith 9 (6)
LIVE SCORE Australia 21/1 in 4 Overs: Steven Smith has walked out at No. 3 and boy he is in some form! After a couple of dot balls he hits a four straight down the ground. This is the man India want badly. If he falls early, Australia will be in real trouble. BATTING: Aaron Finch 1 (12), Steven Smith 6 (5)
LIVE SCORE Australia 15/1 in 3.1 Overs: MASSIVE WICKET!!! Warner, as usual, plays a poor stroke and he has fallen! Warner tries to flick one short from Umesh on the leg side, got an outside edge and Virat Kohli at mid on takes a dolly! India get the wicket they wanted!!! Umesh Yadav is pumped up, he is roaring like a beast. So is India! BATTING: Aaron Finch 1 (12),
OUT! David Warner c Virat Kohli b Umesh Yadav 12 (7)
WATCH VIDEO OF DAVID WARNER’S DISMISSAL HERE
LIVE SCORE Australia 15/0 in 3 Overs: Shami starts off the second over with the wide. Finch is beaten on the next ball as he went for the mighty drive and the ball went to MS Dhoni between the batsman’s bat and pads. Loud appeal for leg before against Finch, who is all at sea at the moment. It was hitting way above the knee roll. Not out. Excellent stuff from Shami. Finch is not able to rotate the strike as the fourth ball raps him on the thigh pad. An inside edge on the fifth ball! Finch tried hitting on off, ball went to man at short midwicket. BATTING: Aaron Finch 1 (12), David Warner 12 (6)
LIVE SCORE Australia 14/0 in 2 Overs: Umesh Yadav to bowl the second over. India need wickets early on. Warner strikes the first ball past the man at mid off to collect four runs. The second delivery is defended on the back foot. Single on the off side on the third ball. First five dot balls from Finch in the game. Nervous moment as an outside edge flies in the gully area, straight to the third man. The final ball is short, and Warner is not going to miss these! A six over the deep square leg!!! BATTING: Aaron Finch 1 (6), David Warner 12 (6)
LIVE SCORE Australia 2/0 in 1 Over: Mohammed Shami begins with a peach of a delivery, beating Aaron Finch outside the off-stump. Appeal for a leg before on the third ball but it was going down the leg side. David Warner too is beaten on the first ball! Dream start? Warner hits through covers to take a single on the second last ball. Final delivery is defended by Finch on front foot. BATTING: Aaron Finch 0 (4), David Warner 1 (2)
8.55 AM: Time for national anthems! And boy, you could hear the crowds singing the Indian and Australian national anthems! What a massive moment for everyone out there!!! Match begins in less than five minutes now.
8.40 AM: India will really need to bowl well because in such pressure games, anything above 250 could be tricky. The good part for them is the Australian openers have not clicked together so far, with both David Warner and Aaron Finch having a quiet time so far. Finch scored a century against ngland in the first game, since then not even a half-century. Warner’s suicidal stroke versus Pakistan showed the shortcoming in him.
Amroha (UP): Cricketer Mohd. Shami’s family cheers for team India ahead of #IndVsAus semi final match pic.twitter.com/MA4SnHaaMW
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 26, 2015
8.35 AM: What a massive toss won by Australia! Everyone said winning the toss is the key and so is putting up runs on the board. Australia have edged ahead of India with this. MS Dhoni said India wanted to bat too. How many runs do you think Australia will put up?
Mohd. Shami’s family offer prayers for team India’s win in #IndVsAus semi final match pic.twitter.com/alm2B5nFW6
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 26, 2015
TOSS: Australia captain Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bat against India in the second semi-final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), on Thursday.
TEAMS:
Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke (c), Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c&wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma
8.25 AM: The challenge doesn’t get any tougher than this for Team India: Australia have not lost any semi-final in the history of World Cup tournaments. And lest we forget, it was India that knocked out Australia in the last World Cup back in 2011 in the quarter-final round.
8.20 AM: Just a few minutes for the toss as the excitement is building up. The pitch does not have much grass, which Michael Clarke would have ideally liked. Indian fans are all over the SCG.
8.00 AM: Interesting scenes from the SCG. George Bailey was on his knees, yelling out something as he moved around the Australian team and the support staff, standing in a huddle around him. Perhaps a joke which ended up with the entire group bursting into laughter. On the other side, there was the Indian cricket team, being given directions by their head coach Duncan Fletcher.
7.50 AM: The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is an absolute beauty! Check out a picture of the iconic venue clicked by our man Nishad Pai Vaidya, who has been bringing you exclusive reports of the Indian cricket team throughout this ICC Cricket World Cup 2015!
7.50 AM: Michael Clarke was gracious enough to click a photograph of the commentary team which included the legends such as Shane Warne, Brian Lara, Mark Taylor, Allan Border, Brett Lee, Kevin Pietersen and a few more. Both the teams reached the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) sometime back and they are now going through warm-up drills.
7.45 AM: The toss is still about 45 minutes away and the CricketCountry team has done an excellent work as far as the buildup of this match is concerned. Here’s is everything you would like to read about the India vs Australia semi-final match!
7.35 AM: “Mickey Mouse tournaments are over, India are ready. Pressure is on Australia, we are the defending champions. The guys are ready like never before. Calmness will be the key today, soak in the pressure, go out there and give it your best. Indian cricketers are calm and composed. Indian fans, you should be proud of your team. Our mantra has been not to think too far ahead and in the failures. Don’t take pressure. It’s not about individuals, it’s about the team. This team has desire to win,” roars the Indian Team Director Ravi Shastri. Wow! What energy, what excitement!!!
By the way Ravi Shastri spoke, it seemed as if #IND have stacked about a hundred kitchen-sinks in the dressing room. #AusvInd #CWC15
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) March 26, 2015
7.30 AM IST: Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s live blog of the second semi-final of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 between India (IND) and Australia (AUS) at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday. This is Devarchit Varma, and I will be bringing you the live updates of the match. India vs Australia, Semi-Final: Spinners will give MS Dhoni breathing space
Squads:
India: MS Dhoni (c&wk), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Stuart Binny, Akshar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Australia: Michael Clarke (c), David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson.
