Sydney, March 25 (IANS) An undefeated India will face their biggest challenge of the cricket World Cup when they take on co-hosts and four-time champions Australia in the latter's backyard at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Thursday.
There has been a lot of talk about the match ever since the two teams made the last four during the previous week. Australian players have been playing mind games that their much touted pacers will deliver "short stuff" to Indian batsman, who are traditionally more comfortable playing off their pads.
Looking at the mind games being played by Australia and the calm displayed by the Indians, it gives one an idea how the two teams are preparing for the clash.
The Aussies also have not stopped short of reminding the defending champions of their dismal tour Down Under this Australian summer.
India lost the Test series 0-2 and did not even win a single match in the One-Day International (ODI) tri-series, also involving England.
However, come Thursday, the co-hosts will be facing the same men but with a different mentality and attitude. This Indian team is on a seven-match winning-streak, shoving aside everything that has come their way. It won't be the same easy run that Australia had this summer.
The World No.1 side, on the other hand, have lost a match in this tournament, against New Zealand. The quarterfinal against Pakistan also showed that their batting order is brittle, something that Indian pacers would like to exploit.
India's bowling has been the main reason for their success in the tournament. Pacers Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma have been brilliant.
They have done nothing extraordinary, just stuck to the basics by bowling on good line-and-length with accuracy and consistency.
The SCG wicket traditionally is slower in comparison to other pitches in Australia. The track could also prove to be friendly for Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been one of the best spinners of the tournament. The offie could prove to be the difference in the semifinal clash.
When it comes to the batting, the top order has struck for India. When they failed, the lower order came good, especially while chasing.
So the bottom line is that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's top-six batsmen have shown their class and ability to get runs and they should be able to cope with the much touted Australian pace attack.
Don't forget Rohit Sharma scored his double century against Australia and also a hundred in the tri-series before the World Cup.
The only thing that makes the match 50-50 is that Australia are playing at home. But they are not exactly happy that they are playing at the SCG and the stadium would be a blue of humanity.
For people who believe in statistics, they will easily bet their money on Australia. The co-hosts have won 12 of their 13 ODIs against India at the historic ground.
Also, Australia have never lost in the semifinals of the World Cup, having won five and tied one.
But come Thursday, it will be the on-field performances and not stats that will matter.
US-India ties: India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting postponed, Biden administration officials to visit India
The US-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) has been postponed to early next year, news agency ANI has confirmed. The bilateral meeting on trade between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his US counterpart
After the anti-India statement, now there is an earthquake in the politics of Maldives, preparations to bring a no-confidence motion against President Muizzu
India-Maldives Row: The objectionable remarks made on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian citizens may now increase the problems of Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu. Taking advantage of this,
Delhi University: Vice-Chancellor said - Art of collaboration should be taught so that students can get good jobs
The Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University says that the art of collaboration should be taught to the students so that they can get better jobs and they can work in the spirit of collaboration. DU VC
Sawan 2022: Temple resonated with the chants of Har Har Mahadev in Haryana, devotees gathered to perform Jalabhishek on the first Monday of Sawan
In Haryana, on the first Monday of the month of Sawan, there was a queue of Shiva devotees in the temples since morning. Devotees are reaching the temples to offer prayers. Devotees who were deprived
Impact of Taliban occupation on Afghanistan: India's Rs 22251 crore. The investment of the two countries may get stuck
Taliban has taken over Afghanistan. This will have a direct impact on the trade between India and Afghanistan. The main reason for this is that the Indian government does not recognize the Taliban.
PM Modi: 'His life was a symbol of honesty and simplicity', PM Modi became emotional remembering Manmohan Singh
There is a wave of mourning in the whole country due to the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Seven days of national mourning have been declared in the country. Prime Minister Narendra
Why are terrorists again targeting non-Muslims in Kashmir? DGP told what is the evil plan of terrorists
Frustrated by the ever-changing environment in the Kashmir Valley after the abrogation of Article 370 and improving conditions for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, pro-Pakistan terrorists have once
Champions Trophy 2025: Gautam Gambhir finally broke his silence on Jasprit Bumrah's exclusion from Champions Trophy 2025, saying- 'I can't tell...'
Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir has refused to give any information on the return of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to international cricket. Bumrah was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025, on
The claims of unity in the Jammu and Kashmir Congress remained intact, neither Azad nor his supporters reached the contemplation camp in Patnitap.
Despite all the claims, neither Ghulam Nabi Azad nor his supporters reached the Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of Congress. Efforts for unity were foiled. Azad's supporters
Kanpur Violence: New twist in Kanpur violence, Pakistan connection surfaced, shocking disclosure from mobile numbers taken on surveillance
The connection of the ruckus on the new road in Kanpur is connecting with the masters sitting in Pakistan. During the ruckus, calls were going on continuously in Pakistan from a phone number. That
