India will face England in the second T20 World Cup semi-final in Guyana on Thursday at 3.30 pm UK time. Meanwhile, Australia risks missing out on the last four; the 2021 champions will be eliminated if Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma's explosive 92 off 41 balls secured India's top spot in Group 1.
Rohit's innings, featuring eight sixes and his 200th T20 international six, propelled India to a 24-run victory over Australia. His quick-fire fifty came off just 19 balls, though he was eventually bowled by Mitchell Starc. India posted 205-5, a total they may have hoped to increase after being 127-2 in 11 overs with Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav at the crease. However, they managed only 43 runs in the final five overs.
Score Summary - Australia vs India:
India 205-5 from 20 overs: Rohit Sharma (92 off 41), Suryakumar Yadav (31 off 16), Hardik Pandya (27 off 17); Josh Hazlewood (1-14)
Australia 181-7 from 20 overs: Travis Head (76 off 43), Mitchell Marsh (37 off 28); Arshdeep Singh (3-37), Kuldeep Yadav (2-24)
Travis Head scored 76 off 43 for Australia, contributing to a second-wicket partnership of 81 with Mitchell Marsh. However, Australia's chase faltered after Glenn Maxwell's dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav, leaving them at 181-7. This result places Australia in danger of elimination, depending on the outcome of Afghanistan's match against Bangladesh.
South Africa awaits the advancing team from Group 1 in the first semi-final in Trinidad. India secured their semi-final spot without the need for a reserve day, as they topped their Super 8s pool. England, who defeated India by eight wickets in the 2022 semi-finals, will face a more aggressive Indian team led by Rohit Sharma.
Rohit's Knock Overpowers Australia:
After losing opening partner Virat Kohli early, Rohit attacked Australia’s bowlers, hitting Starc for multiple sixes. He reached his half-century, the fastest in this World Cup, before being bowled by Starc. Despite a rain delay, Rohit continued to dominate, though India’s run rate slowed after his dismissal. Hardik Pandya added two late sixes, bringing India to 205-5.
Australia's chase started poorly with David Warner's early dismissal. Marsh and Head's partnership briefly revived their hopes, but Marsh’s removal by Axar Patel triggered a collapse. Despite Head's efforts, Australia couldn't recover, with Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh stifling their progress.
Upcoming Matches:
Afghanistan will face Bangladesh in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, followed by the semi-finals on Thursday. The first semi-final is in Trinidad at 1.30 am, and the second in Guyana at 3.30 pm.