Team India got the better of Australia in the 51st match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St Lucia. With the win, the Men in Blue secured their berth in the semifinal of the exciting tournament.
Rohit Sharma takes Aussie bowlers to the cleaners
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first against India. This decision initially appeared to pay off when Josh Hazlewood dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck early on. However, Indian captain Rohit Sharma turned the tide with a scintillating performance. Rohit smashed 92 runs off just 41 balls, including seven fours and eight sixes, providing India with a solid foundation. Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 16), Shivam Dube (28 off 22), and Hardik Pandya (27 off 17) helped India reach a formidable total of 205/5 in their 20 overs.
Australian bowling under pressure
Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught. Mitchell Starc managed to claim two wickets but conceded 45 runs in his four overs. Hazlewood was the most economical, giving away only 14 runs and taking one wicket in his four overs. Marcus Stoinis, despite taking two wickets, was expensive with 56 runs conceded in his spell. Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa were unable to take any wickets and conceded 48 and 41 runs respectively, highlighting the dominance of the Indian batting lineup.
Australia’s chase falters
In response to India’s challenging total, Australia’s innings began on a shaky note with David Warner falling early for 6 runs. Travis Head played a valiant innings, scoring 76 runs off 43 balls with nine fours and four sixes. Mitchell Marsh contributed 37 runs off 28 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build partnerships. Glenn Maxwell’s quick 20 off 12 balls gave a brief hope, but regular wickets halted Australia’s momentum.
Indian bowlers comes up with a stunning performance
India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Australia to 181/7 in their 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the attack with three crucial wickets for 37 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was economical, finishing with figures of 1/29 in four overs. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin proved effective, taking two wickets for 24 runs. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja also played their part, with Axar taking one wicket for 21 runs in three overs. Despite Pandya’s expensive spell, the combined effort of the bowlers ensured India maintained control throughout Australia’s chase.
Also READ: Fans bow to Rohit Sharma after Indian captain’s jaw-dropping knock against Australia at T20 World Cup 2024
Semifinal berth secured
India’s victory by 24 runs not only highlighted their dominance in the Super 8 stage but also secured their spot in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. Rohit’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award and was instrumental in India’s success. This win has bolstered India’s confidence and positions them as strong contenders for the tournament’s latter stages, bringing them one step closer to the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.
Here is how fans reacted:
India advance to the semi-finals of the #T20WorldCup 2024 🔥🇮🇳
Rohit Sharma’s marvellous 92 combined with a superb bowling effort hand Australia a defeat in Saint Lucia 👏#AUSvIND | 📝: https://t.co/jiMD4ikocg pic.twitter.com/QugKTj031k
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 24, 2024
India handles the pressure flawlessly!! A dominant batting performance followed by disciplined bowling under pressure to seal a comprehensive win over Aussies. Congratulations on qualifying for the semis!! 👏🏾
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 24, 2024
This is how India dealt with Aus today #INDvAUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KXf8z1yuJn
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 24, 2024
It was the Hitman show! 🔥 You were simply brilliant with the bat, @ImRo45! 😍 Our unbeaten run continues as we head to the semis! 💪 Let’s bring this trophy home, boys! 🏆🇮🇳#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7oKNXLlrX2
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 24, 2024
An unbelievable catch. A timely wicket. Economical too.
Axar Patel’s contributions don’t get the same sort of attention…but have made the difference in clutch games. Vs Pak. Vs Aus.
Well played, Bapu 🫡 #IndvAus— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 24, 2024
India v England – 2nd Semi Final – June 27, 2014 pic.twitter.com/ieDfLyncoJ
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) June 24, 2024
India Jeetega!🥳🇮🇳🔥#Whistle4Blue #T20WorldCup #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/rnJhDqTi9D
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) June 24, 2024
India winnnnnnnnnn.
This has put a billion people’s hearts at ease. 19th November is a little less hurtful now. 🤧#INDvsAUS#AUSvsIND— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) June 24, 2024
Captain, Leader, Legend of India.
– Rohit Gurunath Sharma. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/WTMRrArOZi
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 24, 2024
Semi-final line-up so far:
South Africa v Afghanistan/Australia in Trinidad & Tobago
India v England in Guyana#T20WorldCup #Cricket— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 24, 2024
𝙎𝙚𝙢𝙞-𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨 ✅ ✅
𝘼 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧(𝙗) 𝙒𝙞𝙣! 🙌
Make that 3⃣ victories in a row in the Super Eight for #TeamIndia as they beat Australia by 24 runs! 👏👏#T20WorldCup | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LNA58vqWMQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 24, 2024
SEMI-FINALS. 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘. 𝗪𝗘. 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘. 🚨🔥#T20WorldCup #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/pzBqQy2RbN
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 24, 2024