Match Center

Right then, that is it from this big clash where India defeated Australia to go through to the semis while the hopes of the Aussies rely on the last Super Eight game. That match is between Afghanistan and Bangladesh on 25th June, Monday. It will begin at 6 am IST (12.30 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Rohit Sharma, the victorious skipper of India is up for a chat once again. He says that it is quite satisfying when you play like that. Adds that they know the opposition and the threat they bring. Feels that they kept doing the things they needed to do as a team. Mentions that 200 is a good score but when you are playing here with breeze being a big factor, anything can happen. Shares that they are used to conditions really well, and it was about individuals doing their job. Tells that they know the strength Kuldeep Yadav has, but need to use him when necessary. Adds that with the pitches in New York being pace-friendly, Kuldeep had to miss out but they knew he had a big role to play out here in the Caribbean. When asked about their plans for the semifinal, he replies that they don't want to do anything different and play the same way. Tells that it will be important to play freely and not think too much about the future.

Mitchell Marsh, the captain of Australia says that it is disappointing but technically there is still a chance for them to go through. Adds that India were the better team and deserved the win. Mentions that we all know what Rohit Sharma can do in that kind of a mood and he got off to a flier here. Says that they were in the chase, but lost a bit too many wickets at the wrong time. Ends by saying that he will be cheering for Bangladesh.

Rohit Sharma is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant knock of 92 runs from 41 balls. He says that he says that it was important for him to open up the off side also due to Australia's plan of bowling against the breeze. Feels that you have to factor in the breeze, and understand that the bowlers are smart as well. Adds that keeping an open mind will help you in accessing all areas of the field. Tells that it was a good wicket, and you want to try and back yourself to play those kinds of shots. Further says that he is glad that it came off for him in this game.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, India posted a huge total on the board courtesy of a stunning 92 from Rohit Sharma along with some fine contributions from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Australia were not at their usual best and took a pounding. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers who conceded just 14 runs and picked up a wicket. Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis got a couple each but were very expensive. While chasing, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell tried their best, but the lack of support from the others meant that they had to face another defeat. Now Australia is at the mercy of Bangladesh. With their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, the 2021 champions will hope that Bangladesh somehow manage to defeat Afghanistan, even if it be by the barest of margins, also additionally hoping that the last match of the Super 8 is not washed out.

India, on the other hand, got off to the perfect start when Arshdeep Singh got rid of David Warner in the very first over. However, they couldn't really build on that and allowed the Aussies to counter-attack and get back in the chase. Then a moment of brilliance from Axar Patel in the field got them the breakthrough and they were able to slow down the run flow. Glenn Maxwell was looking dangerous but Kuldeep Yadav deceived him with a googly and got the breakthrough and Axar followed it up with another wicket. However, Head was still proving to be a thorn for them but Jasprit Bumrah finally got rid of him to all but secure the win as after that no other batter could really get going.

Despite losing David Warner early on, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh got through a tricky period and made sure that they fully utilized the Powerplay. The duo kept on going hard at the bowlers and did not let the asking rate get out of reach. However, a stunning catch in the deep by Axar Patel sent the Aussie skipper back to the hut. After that, Glenn Maxwell came out with a positive intent and played a breezy little cameo to keep them in the hunt but lost his wicket and Marcus Stoinis also couldn't make much of an impact. Head though stood like a firm rock on one end and kept scoring at a good rate as he loves to do against this opposition. With the asking rate creeping up, Head also fell trying to up the ante against Jasprit Bumrah and it was all India after that. Australia, though managed to reduce the victory margin and keep their NRR above Afghanistan.

INDIA MARCH ONTO THE SEMIS! A comprehensive win for the Men in Blue and they remain unbeaten in this World Cup. Australia were in the chase for a long time when Travis Head was batting and the Indian players would have had flashbacks from that ODI World Cup final, but this time, they were able to keep their calm and got the job done in the end.

THAT'S IT! INDIA WIN BY 24 RUNS! Angling away, on a back of a length, slower and outside off, Mitchell Starc waits back in his crease and can only punch it in front of extra cover for a single.

Trifecta of play and misses! Pandya continues to take pace off and goes short again, on off, Mitchell Starc waits on the back foot to get the pull shot away but for the third time in a row, he fails to pick the change of pace and misses as he swings way too early.

And again! Pace-off and it is on a shortish length again, outside off, Mitchell Starc hops back as he attempts the pull but swings way too early and fails to connect.

Swing and a miss! Slower and into the wicket by Hardik, on off, Mitchell Starc swings for the pull but gets undone by the slowness of the delivery and connects with thin air.

DROPPED! Ravindra Jadeja goes at it casually and puts it down! He could have taken a couple of steps forward and made it to a safe catch.

Pandya bangs it on a hard length, on off, Pat Cummins hangs back and slaps it to the left of long on and comes back for the second run.

Hardik Pandya to bowl the last over. He has conceded 43 in his three overs.

Overpitched and on middle, Mitchell Starc drills it wide of long on for a brace.