Australia victory boosts India morale: Rohit Sharma

India skipper Rohit Sharma’s memorable knock led India to a 24-run victory over Australia, securing their place in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Rohit hit a record 8 sixes in his 41-ball 92, guiding India to 205/5. Australia, in response, managed 181/7 despite fighting efforts from Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, who scored 76 off 43. Key bowlers Kuldeep Yadav (2/24), Jasprit Bumrah (1/29), and Arshdeep Singh (3/37) ensured the win for India.

Rohit expressed his satisfaction with the victory, highlighting the team’s effective use of conditions at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia.

“Satisfying. We know the opposition and the threat they bring. As a team, we did well, and kept doing the things we needed to do. Gives us good confidence as a team. 200 is a good score but when you are playing here with wind being a big factor, anything can happen. But I think we used to conditions really well, and it was about individuals doing their job. If was about getting wickets at the right time,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

He praised Kuldeep Yadav for his economical bowling on a batting-friendly pitch and explained Kuldeep’s absence in New York due to seamer-friendly conditions there.

“We know the strength he has, but we need to use him when necessary. In New York, there were seamer-friendly wickets. He had to miss out but we knew he had a big role to play out here,” he added.

India will face defending champions England in the semifinals, with Rohit emphasizing the importance of playing their natural game and not overthinking the opposition.

“We don’t want to do anything different, play the same way and understand what each person has to do. Play freely and do not think too much about what’s lying ahead. Not thinking about the opposition. We have been doing it consistently, just need to continue.

“It will be a nice match, nothing changes for us as a team,” Rohit concluded.

It is worth mentioning here that, India clinched a spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals after a thrilling 24-run victory against Australia in their final Super 8 match held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on Monday.

The win sets up a high-stakes semi-final clash against England on June 27 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. They will face defending champions England in the semifinal.