Of all the sides in action at the tournament, India have been the best so far, and by some distance. In fact, they are the only team to be heading into the semi-finals on an unbeaten note.
Beat Pakistan by 7 wickets: India began the tournament with thumping triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan. Bowling first, India restricted Pakistan to 130 for 7 in their 20 overs. Amit Mishra was the standout performer for India with 2 for 22 even as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket each. India were brilliant in the field as well effecting two run outs. India chased down the target with ease in the 19th over. Shikhar Dhawan (30) and Rohit Sharma (24) added 54 for the opening wicket after which Virat Kohli (36 not out) and Suresh Raina 35 (not out) took India home without any trouble.
Beat West Indies by 7 wickets: India’s bowlers did an encore against the defending champions. Bowling first again, they restricted a strong Windies line up to 129 for 7. Amit Mishra again stood out with 2 for 18 while Jadeja claimed 3 wickets even as he was smashed for 48 runs. India’s response was led by Rohit Sharma, 62 not out from 55 balls, with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Kohli was again in form, contributing 54 from 41 balls, with 5 fours and 1 six. India achieved the target in the final over, with three deliveries to spare.
Beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets: Having defeated bigger sides like Pakistan and WIndies, India had it all too easy against struggling hosts Bangladesh. In spite of Anamul Haque’s 44, Bangladesh were restricted to 138 for 7. Ravichandran Ashwin finished with credible figures of 2 for 15 even as Amit Mishra continued his good run with 3 for 26. Like in the match against West Indies, Rohit and Kohli again delivered for India with half-centuries. The only difference this time was that Rohit was dismissed for 56 from 44 balls and Kohli remained unconquered on 57 from 50 balls. MS Dhoni came in and finished off things with a quick 22 from 12 balls with a couple of meaty sixes.
Beat Australia by 73 runs: Having won all their games bowling first, India got an opportunity to reverse the trend against the Aussies, and they did not disappoint. Having lost 4 wickets for 66, Yuvraj Singh struck some much needed form with a sublime 60 from 43 balls. The southpaw’s knock comprised 5 fours and 4 sixes. Yuvraj was well supported by skipper Dhoni, who contributed 24 from 20 balls. India finished with a fighting 159 for 7. Ashwin then proved why he is such a deadly T20 bowler when conditions are in his favour. With figures of 4 for 11, he rocked the Aussie boat. There was support all-round for Ashwin. Mishra chipped in with 2 for 13; Bhuvneshwar and Mohit Sharma also claimed a wicket each as Australia were skittled out for just 86.
--By A Cricket Analyst
