India will face Australia in the second semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday. With two very strong teams and the prize being a place in the World Cup final, this game promises to be an absolute humdinger of a cricket match.
Here we look at 5 reasons why the semi final clash between India and Australia is unmissable:
1) Sydney Cricket Ground set to turn Indian for Australia semifinal
Indian fans are likely to outnumber their Australian counterparts when the two teams clash in the World Cup semi-final in Sydney on Thursday—much to the annoyance of the home captain. Australia skipper Michael Clarke and team-mate David Warner have appealed to the fans, saying: “I call on all Australian cricket lovers to paint the SCG gold on Thursday. We need your support. #goldout”
2) First ever meeting between India and Australia in the semi finals of a World Cup
This will be the first ever meeting between the sides in the semi-finals of a World Cup. Previously they had faced in league, super six, quarter-final and final.
3) ‘There’s going to be words’: James Faulkner
The recent four-Test series between the two sides featured a handful of run-ins, with Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant Sharma, David Warner and Mitchell Starc all reprimanded over their conduct. Australia all rounder James Faulkner expects it to get willing in the middle of the SCG on Thursday.
“I think there always is (sledging) in the game, if there isn’t you’ve got problems. It’s the nature of the game, it’s a semi-final. Cut throat. Neither team will be backing down,” James Faulkner said.
4) India’s dream run
India captain MS Dhoni holds 100 per cent World Cup record against his opponents having led the team to victory in 2011 quarter-finals. So far, India are unbeaten after 7 consecutive wins in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
5) Australia’s winning rate against India at the SCG is 85.7%
Australia have won 82 out of 125 matches at the SCG–that’s a winning rate of 65.6%. Against India, the figures climb to 85.7% and 89.3%, respectively, as 12 out of 14 matches between the sides at the SCG have gone the home team’s way.
If this semi-final is abandoned then India will progress to the final as they finished higher (Pool B No. 1) in the group phase. Australia were No. 2 in Pool A.
By Ravi Kant
