The Indian team led by the instrumental skipper Rohit Sharma has done wonders in the ongoing world cup. After the conclusion of IPL 2024, many questioned the batting prowess of Rohit Sharma but the skipper delivered against Australia when it mattered the most. All-rounder Hardik Pandya and pacer Arshdeep Singh have also been instrumental in the world cup after dismal show in the Indian Premier League.
India started its world cup campaign against a low lying Ireland on a tricky New York wicket and got off to a winning start with a 8 wickets victory. They were next up against arch rivals Pakistan and only managed to put 119 runs on the board and Pakistan looked at an easy win at one moment but Jasprit Bumrah swung the match in India’s favor to help the men in blue register a 6 runs victory.
Their last group stage clash against Canada in Florida was called off due to rain but it didn’t stopped them from topping their group and reaching the super 8 where they were clubbed with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Australia.
The men in blue registered an easy win against Afghanistan in their super 8 opener encounter by 47 runs and followed it up with a 50 run victory over Bangladesh. The Rohit Sharma led team was up against the mighty Aussie in their last encounter and on a good batting wicket of Saint Lucia, India managed to score 205 runs and restricted Australia to 181 runs to register a 24 runs victory.
Afghanistan managed to beat Australia and Bangladesh after getting hammered by India to make their way in the semi final of the world cup where they will be up against South Africa while India will face the defending champions England.
Rain Gods may help India
The semi final 1 between Afghanistan and South Africa has been allotted a reserve day but the 2nd semi final between India and England doesn’t have a reserve day but the match can be extended by 250 minutes in case of a rain delay. It will be a 10:30 start at Guyana and rain is expected to continue in the day with 88% chances of rain. The cricket ground in Guyana doesn’t have the best of facility of drainage so if there is a heavy rain before the game or in the course of the scheduled match then it will get tough to continue and as a result India will reach the finals without taking the ground in the semi finals.
