http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 reach 116 for 2 in 25 overs against
India – ICC World Cup 2011
Australia were nicely placed at the end of 25 overs in their quarter-final match of the ICC World Cup 2011 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 at Ahmedabad. The visitors reached 116 runs for the loss of two wickets halfway through their innings.
The wicket wasn’t the easiest to bat on, as it had a lot of assistance for the spinners in it. It was also expected to slow down with the course of the match, which would make batting difficult in the second half.
The toss, which was very important on this wicket, was won by Australian captain Ricky Ponting. He elected to bat first without any hesitation. The Aussies made one change to their squad, as David Hussey replaced Steve Smith. On the other hand, India opted
for Suresh Raina instead of Yusuf Pathan.
All-rounder Shane Watson and wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin started the innings steadily for their team. The pair batted sensibly and didn’t try to take too many risks early on. They compiled 40 runs for the opening wicket before Watson was sent back to
the pavilion.
The flamboyant batsman attempted a slog sweep over midwicket, but he completely missed the ball, which crashed into the stumps. Watson scored 25 runs off 38 balls with the help of five fours.
Ricky Ponting walked out to the middle and provided good support to Haddin. The pair put together 70 runs for the second wicket and took their team’s total to 110. The wicketkeeper batsman scored a brilliant half-century for his team with the help of six
fours and one towering six. However, he got out soon after reaching his fifty, managing 53 runs from 62 balls.
This brought Michael Clarke to the crease, where he joined his captain. Ponting was unbeaten on 34 from 47 balls half way through the Australian innings whereas; his deputy just faced three balls for his single run.
The pair will look to bat for at least ten more overs before they start going for the boundaries. There is a lot of batting to come for the defending champions and they will be eying a total of 250-275 at the end of their innings.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Yuvraj-Singh-c98364 took one wicket each for the hosts and they will be eying a few more quick wickets to restrict Australia below 250.
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