The rivalry between India vs Australia in cricket is something the fans look forward to every time they meet. Their latest clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was no exception. The Super Eights face off was an important one for both sides and it stood to be an interesting clash when the two met at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia.
Australia vs India Match Overview
India has unfinished business with Australia following their loss in the 2023 World Cup final, and that extra spice only served to add more intrigue to this match. The Australian side won the toss and chose to bowl first which would make India set up a substantial target.
India’s Innings
India got off to a flyer with Rohit Sharma running riot. On the other hand, Rohit 92 in 41 was more about explosive hitting than capitalizing on powerplay. India lost Virat Kohli early, caught by Tim David off Josh Hazlewood but the middle order rose to the occasion. Chasing a total of 200+ in Sharjah, Suryakumar Yadav scored runs at almost run every ball and his contribution was not the reason for MI to win this match on Thursday although he had a good share which partly helped my Hardik Pandya score quickfire fifties late. The bowlers from Australia also did not have a good game other than the three scalps for Mitchell Starc.
Australia’s Chase
Australia got off to a good start in their chase as well, with David Warner and Travis Head among the runs. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh were brought together after Warner’s early dismissal. The head was instrumental in the middle order, scoring 55 off as many balls. The lunatic matches Joy Bhattacharjya seemed to crave, the frenzied peaks and troughs of T20 cricket, were about to reach a high when Glenn Maxwell swaggered out. But despite some late resistance from Matthew Wade, Australia could only manage 181 for seven to lose by 24 runs.
Key Moments
Rohit Sharma Gone Berserk: All those who watched the selection meeting of India must have raised their eyebrows to see others missing out for he was given special treatment, being in all three formats. Rohit’s 18-ball fifty laid down a formidable total against Australia and It played a huge role during India’s innings.
Starc’s Crucial Wickets: Mitchell Starc, particularly in getting rid of Rohit Sharma was instrumental in keeping the scoring rate well under check for India.
Kuldeep Yadav (2/13) [21st Match]: Not being an act of god in his game-changing spell, dismissed Glenn Maxwell.
Australia’s Powerplay Strategy: Despite a strong start, Australia struggled in the middle overs, with India’s bowlers executing their plans effectively in the death overs.
Fan Reactions & Analysis
Australia vs India created a lot of buzz on social media and cricket forums as anyone would expect these days. The aggressive Rohit Sharma innings and an impactful spell from Kuldeep Yadav were central to the story, as was Australia’s inability to capitalise on a fast start. At stumps, it was already clear that Australia’s call to bowl first might have been the right one, as analysts sparred over how crucial Lyon’s toss could be.
On the other hand, experts lauded the team India’s effort and their raw nerves of steel. In contrast, Australia’s failure to capitalise on a solid base after England posted 313 looks set for scrutiny.
Conclusion
Excerpt India’s 24-run win over Australia during the Super Eight segment of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, played in October at different venues across continents, remained one of their signature results as well which showed they could deliver in crunch games of Indian cricket. Test your knowledge of this iconic moment. The win also helped them to level the score with their previous World Cup conqueror and get back on track in terms of a shot at reaching the semi final. To identify a few areas where they seem to need remedial work, take the middleovers in chases. This loss did that for them better than any other game recently regarding Australia’s struggles in similar chase situations.
Read More: India vs. England: A Thrilling T20 World Cup Clash
