India vs Australia: World Cup 2nd Semi-final

Australian skipper Michael Clarke won the toss and chose to bat first against India in their semi-final at Sydney.

SYDNEY: Michael Clarke won the first round in the semifinal, when MS Dhoni called incorrectly at the toss. The Australia captain had no hesitation in batting first. That is significant because against top teams this World Cup, setting a target had been a successful Indian ploy.

Follow the 2nd innings live updates here-->> India vs Australia: World Cup 2nd Semi-final

Australia took a bold decision by opting for an unchanged XI. Despite the SCG pitch tipped to assist spin, the home team resisted the temptation of fielding left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty, who had bowled for a long time during nets a day earlier. This means they retain a pace-heavy attack.

India too went in with the same XI that played in the last few games. This was predictable, given the success percentage of this combination. But for the first time in the tournament, India will chase against a top side. For the record, their only win at SCG against Australia came batting second, in the tri-series final in 2008. Apart from Dhoni, Rohit Sharma was part of that squad.

India vs Australia: Live scorecard with ball by ball commentary

#AUSvIND   END OF INNINGS: #AUS posts a target of 328 breaking #IND's streak of getting all ten wickets in every match.   OUT! Mohit again, Watson has to go for 28. 14 balls more, can #AUS cross 320? Slower short delivery around middle, Watson swivels and slogs this one straight to square leg where Rahane takes an easy catch. Australia are seven down now!   Despite losing wickets, Australians are maintaining a run-rate above 6.    WICKET: Oh yes, he does get a wicket. Good length delivery around middle, Faulkner looks to slog this one but fails completely. The ball goes on and disturbs the furniture. Fourth wicket for Yadav, he has gone for runs but has picked up wicket at crucial stages. #AUS are 284/6.

<p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>47th Over: </strong>Umesh Yadev is the only bowler who used the short ball well today. Can he get another wicket here? #AUS are 284/5 (46.2).</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>46th Over: </strong>Eight runs off Jadeja's over. Dhoni wouldn't mind singles until big shorts are avoided. <strong>#AUS are 279/5</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Last 5 overs</strong>, Faulkner starts them with a SIX! Can #AUS cross 320? 277/5.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>in the stands, the india jeetega chant is back <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580981090099167234">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>OUT! Life back in SCG whcih is dominated by the blue colour today. Mohit strikes, Clarke departs for just 10 runs. #AUS are 248/5 (42.1) James Faulkner is the next </strong>batsman!</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clarke goes. Momentum with India now. Magic figure for Aus is 325. Bowlers need to peg them 15-20 runs below that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilSay?src=hash">#DilSay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BingPredicts?src=hash">#BingPredicts</a></p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580980692311416833">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>41st Over:</strong> Last 10 overs and both new batsmen on crease.<strong> Can #IND restrict #AUS under 280?</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Another WICKET:  It's Yadav again, excellent catch from Dhawan. Finch departs for 81. Indian supporters at SCG wake up, India comes back into the game!</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>OUT! </strong>Ashwin finally gets Maxwell in his pocket, SCG goes WILD.<strong> #AUS are 232/3</strong>. This is a huge relief to MS Dhoni. But wait, Watson is next! He can get dangerous any day for any opponent.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>MAXWELL:  BANG! BANG! 4, 6, 4, Maxwell has started the big show. Indian bowlers in deep trouble. They will gift the semi-final match to the opponents if they don't get this man out early. #AUs are 231/2 (37).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>One hitter departs, and the other walks in!<strong> Glenn Maxwell is the new man. #AUS are 198/2 (34.1).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>WICKET: Umesh Yadav is the hero right now for #IND, removes the centurion Steve Smith for 105. </strong>Short of a length around off, Smith looks to pull this one but does not time it well. The ball goes high up in the air to mid-wicket, Sharma takes an easy catch at mid-wicket<strong>. #AUS are 197/2.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>SIX: </strong> <strong>It is Finch this time. Boundaries are raining in SCG. Not a word heard from the blue crowd.</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Steven Smith 100 in 89 balls 2nd fastest vs India in WC after the 84 ball 100 by Mahela Jayawardene at Mumbai WC 2011 final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BingPredicts?src=hash">#BingPredicts</a></p>— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) <a href="https://twitter.com/mohanstatsman/status/580968365390336000">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>CENTURY: 4, 6, 4, and a THIRD ODI TON for SMITH. </strong>Short of a length around off, Smith pulls this one through square leg for a boundary. Who can get him out for Dhoni? <strong>#AUS are 181/1 (33)</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>hindi song loud, blue brigade quiet <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580966498438504448">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>32nd Over: </strong> Miss-fielding from men in blue showing the intense pressure on them. Another LWBW appeal put down by the umpire. India needs a wicket here. <strong>#AUS are 167/1.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>FOUR! Smith who dominated #IND in the entire #AUS summer is still doing the same. He moves to 85.  Aussies are 160/1 (30.4).</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Smith now has a ridiculous 900 runs against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IND?src=hash">#IND</a> for the summer in Tests and ODIs, at 112.5. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cwc15?src=hash">#cwc15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a></p>— Adam Burnett (@AdamBurnett09) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamBurnett09/status/580964791428071424">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>BOWLING CHANGE:</strong> Dhoni is keeping cool, brings back Mohit into the attack. <strong>#AUS are 147/1 (28).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>27th Over:  7th ODI FIFTY for Finch as well. India doesn't need anything but a breakthrough here. #AUS are 143/1.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>That review was a good example of why captains don't favour using it for lbws. Umpire's call requires the ball to be really straight.</p>— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/580961221328801792">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>RUN OUT, 3rd Umpire: </strong>Ashwin was quick with hitting the wicket but Finch was well inside the crease. <strong>#AUs are 133/1 (26).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>25th Over: SIX!</strong> Smith-Finch look more than comfortable at <strong>132/1</strong>. WIth Finch closing to his 7th half-century.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>REVIEW: </strong>Jadeja asks for reviewing Finch's LBW.<strong> Umpire sticks to his original decision, the ball was going outside the line-off.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>2nd Wicket Partnership:  Smith-Finch take their partnership to 100. Things don't look good for #IND. Australians are 115/1.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>18th OVER: </strong>A CENTURY for #AUS & 7th ODI FIFTY for Smith. This partnership between him and Finch is turning out to be deadly for India.<strong> #AUS are  100/1.</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>time will also tell if leg slip was the right ploy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580956128273563648">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Ashwin is brought into attack. We hope he gets up a wicket here.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>16th Over:</strong> Mohit Sharma to continue for India after the break.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Drinks breaks at Sydney Cricket Ground. Can India get a wicket post-break? They desperately need one.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>FOUR! </strong>Finch joining Smith at the party. India need WICKET here. #AUS are 87/1 (15.2).</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>time will tell whether holding ashwin back was a smart move <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580952095957762049">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>15th Over: Steve Smith is closing to a half-century. </strong>#IND need wickets here to avoid a trouble in semi-final. If this man settles today, India can expect easily a target more than 300. #AUS are 81/1.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>14th Over: Smith has moved to 36 so Dhoni gets Jadeja into the attack. Can he get his skipper the breakthrough?</strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>foursmith to the fore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580948765068001280">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Mohit Sharma</strong> is given his 1st over and he begins with a FOUR. Smith is slowing starting to take on the Indian bowling attack. Not a good sign at all. <strong>#AUS are 69/1 (12.2).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>BOWLING CHANGE: </strong>After Smith's four boundaries in the previous over, Indian skipper brings in Virat Kohli to bowl. Will this work for India?</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Smith loves short-pitched deliveries, Smith loves full length deliveries, Smith loves Indian bowing...</p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580946553210175490">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>FOUR BOUNDARIES:  </strong>Steve Smith suddenly presses the accelerator and smashes 4 four's off Yadav's over.<strong> Dhoni needs to get rid of him fast.</strong> #AUS are <strong>56/1 (10)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Aus would be happy with 5-1 in first powerplay, India would love even 55-2! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilSay?src=hash">#DilSay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BingPredicts?src=hash">#BingPredicts</a></p>— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketwallah/status/580943600206245888">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>8 off 21 balls, </strong>India is definitely troubling Aaron Finch. <strong>#AUS are 34/1 (7).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>6 overs gone: </strong> #AUS have moved to 32/1 with Aaron Finch & Steve Smith don't look in a hurry to play big shots.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>it's a very good pitch for batting. team batting second shouldn't be disheartened <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580940290933940224">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>FOUR</strong>! Yadav's 3rd over & Finch's first boundary. India cannot let him get going with his original game. #AUS are 27/1 (4.3).</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Some were saying 70% Indian supporters at the SCG.... Rubbish.... More like 85%... Incredible Support... And Noisy ..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/580938751532109824">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Smith is the next batsman. </strong>We know he is equally dangerous as Warner. Can India get him out early too?</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>OUT! Yadav strikes, SCG goes wild watching Warner WALKING BACK.</strong> Short of a length around off, Warner plays across the line and gets a leading edge to this one. The ball balloons to Virat Kohli at mid off who makes no mistake and takes a sitter. Warner departs cheaply in a crucial knockout!<strong> #AUS are 15/1 (3.1).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>3rd Over:</strong> Just one run off Shami's 2nd over. We want him to continue to bowl such overs. #AUS are 15/0 (3).</p><p> </p><p><strong>SIX!</strong> Short of a length around off, Warner pulls this one over square leg for a biggie! Aggressive batting by David Warner. #AUS are 14/0 (2).</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>scg about 90% full and there are yellow dots in the blue mass <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Atreyo Mukhopadhyay (@ATREYO_TNIE) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATREYO_TNIE/status/580936432061059072">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>1st Over: </strong>Shami almost got an edge on the very first ball.<strong> #AUS are 0/0 (0.2).</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Warner and Finch are taking their positions, Shami to open bowling for #IND.<strong> The match is LIVE at SCG.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Both the teams have walked into the field for their respective national anthems. We are moments away from a massive match at Sydney Cricket Ground.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>FACT BOX: </strong>This is India-Australia's <strong>first ever</strong> World Cup semi-final.</p><p>                  </p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I can't begin to tell you what an advantage that is to Australia winning the toss on this dry, rock hard pitch at the SCG !!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC15?src=hash">#CWC15</a></p>— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/580931013074780160">March 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" /><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Australian skipper Michael Clarke won the toss and chose to bat first against India in their semi-final at Sydney.</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p></td></tr></table>