India is set to clash with England in the second T20 World Cup semi-final in Guyana on Thursday at 3.30 pm UK time. Australia, the 2021 champions, faces the threat of elimination if Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma's explosive 92 off 41 balls ensured India topped Group 1.
Rohit’s innings, which included eight sixes and his 200th T20 international six, powered India to a 24-run victory over Australia. He reached his fifty in just 19 balls before being bowled by Mitchell Starc. India ended their innings at 205-5, although they only added 43 runs in the final five overs after being 127-2 in 11 overs with Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav at the crease.
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’s 76 off 43 and his 81-run partnership with Mitchell Marsh (37 off 28) helped Australia reach 125-2 after 12 overs. However, Australia’s momentum faltered after Glenn Maxwell was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav, leaving them at 181-7. This outcome jeopardises Australia’s semi-final hopes, dependent on the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match.
South Africa will face the advancing team from Group 1 in the first semi-final in Trinidad. India, having topped their Super 8s pool, secured their semi-final spot without needing a reserve day. They will now confront England, who defeated them by eight wickets in the 2022 semi-finals, but will face a more aggressive Indian side led by Rohit Sharma.
Rohit’s Explosive Knock Against Australia:
After losing Virat Kohli early, Rohit launched an assault on Australia’s bowlers, hitting Starc for multiple sixes. He secured his half-century, the fastest in this World Cup, before being bowled by Starc. Despite a rain delay, Rohit continued to dominate, although India’s run rate slowed after his dismissal. Hardik Pandya added two late sixes, bringing India to 205-5.
Australia's chase faltered early with David Warner’s dismissal. Although Marsh and Head briefly revived their hopes, 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 play against Bangladesh in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, followed by the semi-finals on Thursday. The first semi-final will be in Trinidad at 1.30 am, and the second in Guyana at 3.30 pm.
England’s Road to the Semi-Finals
Early in the tournament, England faced elimination after their opening match against Scotland was washed out, and they suffered a heavy defeat to Australia. However, Jos Buttler's side regained form, thrashing Oman and Namibia to overcome Scotland's net run-rate advantage and advance to the Super 8s.
Despite a narrow loss to South Africa in a final-over thriller during the Super 8s, England convincingly defeated co-hosts West Indies and clinically beat the USA.
Livingstone noted that contributions from various team members have been crucial in the recent games. He has played in all of England’s matches, overcoming a side injury sustained while batting against Namibia. Livingstone acknowledged the challenge of finding rhythm in a role with limited opportunities but expressed confidence in his form.
"A lot of lads have been contributing in the last few games, which should stand us in good stead going forward," Livingstone remarked.
"We've got hopefully two massive games ahead," he added, reflecting on his role in the team. "As a kid, I always wanted to be involved; that's why I started bowling a few years back. So batting at seven and maybe bowling one over, that's the hard bit as you want to be involved. Thankfully, the last two games I struck the ball well against South Africa and bowled pretty well [against the USA], so I feel I'm in a good place."