Ahamadabad : A blistering batting performance by Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina and a strong 5th wicket partnership gave India a much deserved win against Australia in the quarter final match of ICC World Cup Cricket 2011.
Yuvraj Singh’s scored another well deserved fifty to help India successfully chase the Australian score of 260, in Ahmedabad. Yuvraj 57 not out Gambhir 50, Sachin 53 and Raina 34 not out made India proud.
Having won the toss Australia decided to bat first and put a total of 260 for 6 in 50 overs. For sometime the match was equally balanced and it was difficult to predict which side would win.
India seemed to be wavering after losing Dhoni, Gambhir and Kohli in quick succession. Captain Dhoni was taken by a Lee delivery while trying to hit the ball past point. Gambhir got out trying to take a single off Hussey’s ball while Kohli got out trying to hit a full toss off Hussey and was caught by Clarke at midwicket.
Sachin Tendulkar fell after scoring a scintillating half century and added yet another feather to his cap. This makes Sachin’s 18000 runs in ODIs. The little master hit seven solid boundaries in today’s match.India maintained an average run rate of 5 per over. The fall of 5 wickets did not dampen the spirit of the batsmen. The Indian batsmen kept their cool and led the match to a conclusive end.
India will now lock horns with arch rivals Pakistan for the Semi Finals at Mohali in Chandigarh on 30th March.