Team India was trampled by Australia in the onslaught that happened at the Super Eight Round at Bridgetown, Kensington Oval. David Warner stared in the match with 72 runs from 41 balls and fired up that total by hitting seven sixes. He eventually was awarded the man of the match for his superb performance.
But Australia didn’t win because of the one man show. There was a genuine team effort put in. He opened beautifully and with Shane Watson, their stand stayed at the crease until the 11th over and together they made a partnership of 104 runs. Shane Watson also gave a solid performance and scored 54 while picking a wicket.
In Answer to Australia’s big score of 184 for five in the allotted 20 overs, India was trailing at 23 for four at the 5 over mark. There was a general lack commitment to shots as the upper order collapsed chasing the large total. All their stars went down unable to time their shots as the run-rate steadily climbed.
Rohit Sharma was the only one from the Indian side who batted sensibly and made 79. Apart from that, Harbhajan Singh was the only one to achieve the double figures. The Indian team all collapsed eventually at 135 with 14 balls to go and left the Australian record of being unbeaten at this Cup so far untarnished.
The Aussie paceman Dirk Nannes became the leading bowler in the tournament as he took 3 for 25 and now has 10 victims in the tournament. Fast bowler Shaun Tait was not far behind after he ended with figures of three for 21.
Suresh Raina was a bitter disappointment as everybody was expecting something from him. He earlier made a brilliant knock against South Africa with 101 but Tait picked him at 5.
There was an interesting drama when Ravindra Jadeja bowling. The left arm spinner took quite a beating from Warner and Watson. He was blasted for six continuous sixes in two overs. Warner and Watson both hit three sixes each.
Considering the rocketing start from Australia, India did pretty well in the end as they accomplished a somewhat better job when they contained them for 184. While their predicted score was reaching the 250 mark, the Indians were relieved at the job they did in the end. Harbhajan was the only one to ball decently as he started the match with a maiden, eventually giving away just 15 runs even though in the end they lost by 49 runs.
Despite the defeat, India is still in the tournament. Their journey for the semi-final still continues as India go against West Indies this Sunday. On the other hand Australia will face Sri Lanka on the same day.
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