Pakistan Pummelled - Now Australia Aim to End India’s World Cup Campaign

Australia have had India’s measure all summer but now they meet in the most important match up yet! The Aussies outplayed their opponents in the Test Series before battering the Indians in the One Day Triangular tournament but that won’t mean much if the hosts lose their World Cup Semi-final against the Reigning Champions. India ended Australia’s last campaign in the Quarter Finals four years ago in India on their way to winning the World Cup, now Australia are the home side and are desperate for revenge! And while the Aussies may hold a psychological advantage over their opposition, the Indians are unbeaten in the tournament so far, despite their dismal form leading into it.

Unbeaten India

India’s quarter final victory over Bangladesh was their seventh win from seven games; which has included comfortable successes over other South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies. So perhaps they were foxing against England and Australia in the lead up tournament, when they looked like they’d struggle against the likes of Ireland. The turn-around has been terrific and they’re now just 2 wins away from back to back World Cup triumphs. Pre-tournament all the talk was whether India’s brilliant batting line up could fire and while the batsmen have done their bit; India’s less mentioned bowlers have also delivered. Right armers Mohammed Shami and Yumesh Yadav and have taken 31 of 70 wickets, with 17 and 14 dismissals respectively, they combined for 6 scalps against Bangladesh with the latter taking 4 wickets.

The 109 run win over the Tigers though was set up by opener Rohit Sharma who became the fourth Indian batsman to register a century after he hit a classy 137. Virat Kholi and Suresh Raina have both posted hundreds and the pair are averaging over 60, while India’s other opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has bagged two tons and is side’s leading runscorer with 367. But can India’s array of talented batsmen produce against Australia? Recent performances suggest not.

Aussies Aiming for Another Indian Success

Mitchell Starc’s stood tall for the Aussies pace attack with 18 World Cup wickets, including two in the quarter final victory. But it was Josh Hazlewood who put Pakistan to the sword. The 24 year old took 4 for 22 to help set up the six wicket win. Despite taking 10 wickets so far Mitch Johnson is yet to produce a performance to scare the batsmen into making mistakes, but is the tear away saving something special for the Semi. Like India, Glenn Maxwell was out of form at the start of the year and Like India he’s rediscovered it in the tournament. The All-rounder’s scored more than 300 runs from five innings at an average over 75. The Big Show’s delivered on the big stage and he’s ready to make another big contribution.

The Bookies have backed the hosts but only a brave man would give India No hope! After a wretched recent run against their opponents can India end the Aussie’s World Cup Dream once more, this time in Australia?