NEWS
Follow UsIndia have continued their undefeated run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies. After triumphing over Bangladesh and Afghanistan, India came out on top against Australia by 24 runs as well.
The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was at the centre of it, giving India a stupendous start batting first. Sharma batted with immense intent and aggression, completing his 50 in 19 deliveries. He ended up with 92 in just 41 deliveries, with eight sixes and seven fours. That allowed India to cross 200 and set up a target of 206 for Australia despite slowing in the second half of their innings.
After the match, he emphasised the wind factor and how he and his team were cognisant of it while playing their shots or bowling.
“I thought right from over no. 1, there was a strong breeze blowing across,” skipper Sharma said.
“They [Australia] changed their plan, bowling against the breeze, so I realised I also had to open up the offside. You've got to factor in the breeze and understand that the bowlers are smart as well and open up all sides of the field.
"When you keep an open mind and not just think of one shot, you can access all areas of the field. It was a good wicket, and you want to try and back yourself to play those kinds of shots. I've been trying to do that for a few years now, and I'm glad it came off today.
"The fifties and hundreds don't matter; I wanted to bat at the same tempo and carry on. Need to put the bowlers under pressure, and you need big scores for that. I tried to access all sides of the field, not just one side.”
With the ball, Arshdeep Singh (3/37) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/24) were the top performers for India on the day. Kuldeep Yadav didn’t play in the group stages for India, but since coming to the Windies for the Super Eights, he has picked up seven wickets in three innings at an average of 10.7 and an economy of 6.3.
“Kuldeep, we understand the strengths he has, but you have to use it when you need it,” Sharma said on not using Kuldeep in the initial part of the tournament.
“The pitches in New York were seamer-friendly, but we knew he would play a big role later.”
Meanwhile, Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh acknowledged that it was unfortunate that they came against Rohit Sharma in such a batting form in a must-win game. If Afghanistan win the game against Bangladesh, Australia’s campaign will come to an end.
“We've seen for 15 years what Rohit Sharma can do in that kind of mood, and he got off to an absolute flier,” Marsh said.
“In a run chase like that, you're in it if you can keep it at tens for as long as possible, but India were too good for us. Come on, Bangladesh!"
India will now face England in the second semifinal at Guyana on June 27 at 8:00 PM. The English defeated India in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal in Adelaide. Speaking on the upcoming games, skipper Sharma stressed that the team will continue doing what has worked for them in the tournament, and not on the past record.
“We don't want to do anything different, play the same way and understand what each person has to do. Play freely, and do not think too much about what's lying ahead. Not think about the opposition. We have been doing it consistently, just need to continue,” Sharma added.
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