Smith, Finch power Australia to 328/7 against India

A magnificent century by Steven Smith and a superb 81 by Aaron Finch helped Australia post a mammoth total of 328/7 against India in the second semifinal at the SCG, Sydney. The winner will take on New Zealand in the final in Melbourne.

Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first on a conducive pitch. Although they lost Warner early, Steven Smith and Aaron Finch added 182 runs for the second wicket to lay foundation for a big score. Smith scored 105 off 93 balls. Finch was out for 81.

Hard hitter Glenn Maxwell did not last long. He scored 23 off 14 balls. Ashwin claimed his wicket. Dangerous James Faulkner was out for 21. Umesh Yadav bowled him. Umesh Yadav also took the crucial wickets of Finch, Warner and Smith. Shane Watson scored 28. Mitchell Johnson scored a quick-fire 27* off 9 balls.

Australia finished at 328/7 in 50 overs. For India, Umesh Yadav took four wickets. Mohit Sharma claimed two wickets. Indian pacers Shami (68), Umesh (72) and Mohit (75) conceded 215 runs together. Australia also became the first team to score 300+ score in any World Cup semifinal. Shami went wicket-less for the first time in this tournament. He has been the successful bowler in 2015 World Cup.

For the first time in 2015 World Cup, India failed to bowl any opposition out. They achieved the feat in all seven matches prior to the semifinal. It would be interesting how the Indian batsmen respond to the situation today. Much will depend on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.