In a thrilling Super 8 showdown at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, India clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 after defeating Australia by 24 runs in a pulsating encounter.
Opting to bat first, India rode on a spectacular innings from their captain Rohit Sharma, who blazed his way to 92 runs off just 41 deliveries, featuring an impressive array of seven fours and eight sixes.
Despite a shaky start that saw the early departure of Virat Kohli, Sharma's explosive knock set the tone for India's commanding total of 205-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Australia's chase began on a shaky note as they lost opener David Warner in the very first over. However, Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh stabilized the innings with a crucial partnership of 81 runs. Marsh contributed 37 runs before falling victim to an exceptional catch by Axar Patel off Kuldeep Yadav's bowling. Despite efforts from Head, who scored a valiant 63, Australia struggled to keep pace with the required run rate.
India's bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav's economical spell of 2/24, kept the pressure on Australia throughout the innings. Arshdeep Singh also shone with the ball, claiming three vital wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel contributed with one wicket each.
Australia managed to reach 181-7 by the end of their 20 overs, falling short of India's total despite Head's resilient effort. For the Australians, Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis picked up two wickets each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent India from sealing a place in the semi-finals.
With this victory, India will now face England in the second semi-final scheduled for June 27 at Guyana's Providence Stadium. Meanwhile, Australia's hopes of progressing further in the tournament hinge on the outcome of the final Super 8 match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
