New Delhi, March 27 – India were bowled out for 233 runs while chasing the mammoth total of 328 runs against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India started their tour in early December with a loss to Australia and finish their tour with a loss against the same opposition. In between, they beat all opponents, barring Australia and England. Scorecard | Match Photos | 10 Tips for India
MS Dhoni on India’s loss: “I think they played good cricket. Over 300 is a difficult score to chase, but it was just above par. They looked like getting 350 at one stage we came back well. The fast bowlers could have done better.
When you come to the knockout stages, you have to lift your game. We got off to a good start. Shikhar’s dismissal was soft. There is a pressure when you are chasing 320. I don’t think our lower-order can contribute much in these conditions.
I am not sure about it. I am 33, I’m still running and maybe next year, close to the World T20 I will decide whether I want to play the next World Cup or not. Looks like these are the players who will continue forward. Thanks to both the Aussie and Indian fans. It’s a bit disappointing for the Indian fans, but in the end only one team can win.”
Michael Clarke during post-match presentation: “I feel really tired. Smithy was exceptional. Credit needs to go to all the players. Thanks to MS Dhoni and his team. They have played really well. I am pretty sure MS has got a lot of cricket left in him. The most pleasing things is the way we have trained.
I still don’t think we’ve played the perfect game yet, but we know it’s going to be tough against New Zealand. I think we’ll fly to Melbourne tomorrow. We’ll recover in the afternoon. Mentally, we are there for the final, but physically we have to be ready. I am looking forward to playing against New Zealand. I hope we get a lot of support.”
Steve Smith on Australia’s win: “Yeah, it certainly does. We thought 330 was around par. We knew we had to bowl and field well and you know the boys did a terrific job tonight. Bring on Melbourne. It’s nice to contribute to a few wins. It was a pretty big stage tonight, semi-final of a World Cup and just happy that we got over the line in the end.
Yeah, absolutely. I always thank those people that have helped me along the way. It’s very important to do that. I am just really happy with the way things are at the moment. I am just looking forward to Melbourne. It’s going to be one hell of a day.
Yeah, me and Maxi just thought sure he hit that, Pup went upstairs and it was a nick and another wicket for us (talking about Rahane’s referral). It was a nice one to get. I hope so. Another big hundred would be nice. It’s going to be amazing to play the final at MCG. Hopefully, we can put up a show for everyone.”
Man of the Match: Steve Smith receives the MoM award for his magnificent 93-ball 105 that undoubtedly changed the game for Australia. The fireworks go up at the SCG as the Australian fans wave the national flag in the stands. Clarke claps his hands and thanks the crowd.
Maxwell talks to Umesh as the players walk off the field. Clarke is emotional and is seen crying, probably he remembered the late Phil Hughes, who was hit by that fatal bouncer at this very ground.
After Steven Smith’s century underlined his stamp of authority on the proceedings, the bowlers put up a thoroughly professional performance to take Australia to their seventh final in World Cups.
It was Mitchell Johnson, who bowled with venomous pace and a fiery spark to snare the key wickets of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He dismissed Kohli with a fine bouncer that was bowled across him, with Brad Haddin taking the catch. Johnson then castled Rohit to give Australia the upper hand.
MS Dhoni played with spirit and spunk, but he had too much to do. For a brief period, Ajinkya Rahane gave Dhoni the much needed support. However, once Mitchell Starc came back into the attack to produce the wicket of Rahane, the match was all but over.
If Johnson was their go-to-man to take wickets in this crucial game, then Starc and Josh Hazlewood, bowled with superb control to keep the opposition on their toes. Even when Shikhar Dhawan came out all guns blazing, Hazlewood kept it simple by maintaining line and length and hitting the splice of the bat. Australia’s fielding too was usually on the money.
Earlier, runs flowed smoothly from Smith’s bat as he washed away the challenge of facing up to a fine bowling line-up with aplomb. It was his magical wrist-work that flummoxed the bowlers. Smith rolled his wrists to nonchalantly find gaps on both sides of the wicket.
He reached his century in style with a boundary off Mohammed Shami. Aaron Finch didn’t exactly touch glorious heights with the bat, but showed resolve and a singular aim to succeed to stitch a 182-run partnership with Smith.
India took a slew of wickets in the slog overs. However, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson struck meaty blows to take them to an imposing total. Umesh Yadav was one of the few bowlers, who made his mark for India.
Umesh bowled aggressively and his effort bore fruit as he took four wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin too proved his mettle by bowling a fine spell during the middle overs and took the prized scalp of Glenn Maxwell.
Australia certainly were the deserving winners. Now the attention will shift to the final of the World Cup, where Australia will take on their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, at the MCG. Players from both sides will strive to bring out their ‘A’ game as they look to lift the coveted trophy.
-INDIA TODAY
