Australia’s 12-year hold on the World Cup ended on Thursday after India prevailed by five wickets in Ahmedabad to set up a semi-final against Pakistan in Mohali.
Ricky Ponting, after winning the toss, scored a terrific century as Australia made 260-5.
India was well served by half-centuries from Sachin Tendulkar (53) and Gautam Gambhir (50) which set up the run chase. In the end, Yuvraj Singh scripted the win in the 48th over with an unbeaten 57.
The win means India plays Pakistan in the semi-final on 30 March at Mohali.
Earlier, Australia was well served by Ponting’s knock (104: 118b, 7×4, 1×6). Ponting shared 70 run stand with Brad Haddin (53: 62b, 6×4, 1×6). Later Ponting added a further 55 runs with David Hussey to push Australia to a challenging total.For India, Zaheer Khan (2-52), Zaheer Khan (2-53), Yuvraj (2-44) shared the wickets around.
In its reply, India paced its chase well, despite losing Virender Sehwag early. Sachin Tendulkar (53: 68b, 7×4) and Gautam Gambhir (50: 64b, 2×4) shared a 50 run stand. Later, Gambhir added 58 runs with Virat Kohli.
When Gambhir got run out, and later when MS Dhoni fell, India still needed 74 more runs for a win.
But Suresh Raina (34: 28b, 2×4, 1×6) and Yuvraj (57: 65b, 8×4) played intelligently to push India across the line in the 48th over.