"Next target is England" - Social media reacts as India qualify for 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals with 24-run win over Australia
Team India became the first team from Group 1 of Super 8 to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals. The Men in Blue advance to the knockout stage with a 24-run win over Australia at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on Monday, June 24.
Australia won the toss and chose to field first. India were off to a disappointing start, with Virat Kohli dismissed for a duck. However, skipper Rohit Sharma stole the show with his blistering knock, scoring 92 runs off just 41 deliveries.
The likes of Suryakumar Yadav (31), Shivam Dube (28), and Hardik Pandya (27*) also chipped in with useful contributions, helping the team register 205/5 in 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-0-14-1.
Opening batter Travis Head was the top performer for Australia in the run chase with an impactful 76-run knock. However, his efforts went in vain as the side ultimately ended at 181/7 after 20 overs, suffering a 24-run loss.
Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav claimed two scalps. Following the match, several fans and cricketers took to social media, expressing their excitement over India's qualification.
Here are some of the top reactions:
India will face England in the semifinals at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday, June 27. Several fans pointed out that the Rohit Sharma-led side have a chance to avenge their 10-wicket loss to England at the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals.
"Another India vs England Semifinal in the T20 World Cup. We have some unfinished business," wrote a fan.
"Congratulations India for securing the semis.Thanks to this man, leading from the front, they'll face England (if I'm not wrong ). A revenge round the corner vs the team i hate the most, can't wait," commented another.
"Next target is England. Take the revenge of 2022," chimed in yet another.
"We don't want to do anything different" - Rohit Sharma on India's semifinals clash vs England
Speaking at the post-match presentation of India's Super 8 match against Australia, Indian captain Rohit Sharma said that the team won't look to do anything different in the knockout fixture.
He opined that the side should look to play with freedom without worrying about the result. Sharma said:
"We don't want to do anything different, play the same way and understand what each person has to do. Play freely and not think too much on what's lying ahead. Not think about the opposition. We have been doing it consistently, just need to continue. (On playing England in semi) It will be a nice match, nothing changes for us as a team."
It is worth mentioning that Rohit Sharma and Co. are currently unbeaten in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They trumped Ireland, the United States of America, and Pakistan in the group stage and followed it with wins over Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super 8 round.