Team India qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final with 24-run win over Australia
Team India became the third side to book their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup with an impressive 24-run win over Australia in St.Lucia on June 24. After losing the toss and being asked to bat, skipper Rohit Sharma produced a batting masterclass with a sensational 92 off 41 deliveries.
His brilliance was followed by useful cameos from Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya, propelling India to a massive 205/5 in 20 overs. In reply, Australia threatened to break Indian hearts again, scoring 99/2 in 10 overs.
However, Kuldeep Yadav bowled a decisive spell of 2/24 in four overs and Arshdeep Singh finished with three wickets to help India seal a comfortable win. With the win, the Men in Blue continued their unbeaten run in the tournament and clinched the top spot in the Super Eight Group 1.
They will take on England, who finished second in Group 2, in the second semi-final. It will be a repeat of the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final at Guyana on Thursday, June 27. England triumphed in that contest by 10 wickets before eventually winning their second T20 World Cup title.
"We don't want to do anything different" - Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma said that his side will have to continue playing in the same manner as they have until now in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final.
The Men in Blue have struggled in the knockout stages of ICC events for over a decade despite often running through the earlier rounds. Their last ICC title came at the 2013 Champions Trophy in England.
After the Australian win, Rohit looked ahead to the semi-final during the post-match presentation.
"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," said Rohit.
Meanwhile, Rohit broke several records during his blistering knock against Australia and was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Team India similarly won all their games leading up to the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final. However, their run ended with a heartbreaking defeat against Australia in the finale.