8 reasons why India can beat Australia in the World Cup semi-final

The fixture we’ve all been waiting for is here. Australia are undoubtedly India’s favourite opposition after Pakistan and the Men in Blue are set to lock horns with the hosts for a place in the final.

No need to state the obvious — it’s likely to be India’s toughest challenge of the tournament so far. However, the unbeaten Indians are on a high following a series of dominant displays in the group stages and in the quarter-finals.

Here are 8 reasons why we believe they can beat the Kangaroos in this fascinating encounter.

1. In-form openers

Shikhar Dhawan took the tournament by storm with his two hundreds and a fifty in the group stages. Rohit Sharma, who was struggling at the start of the tournament, silenced his critics with a match-winning display against Bangladesh. The in-form openers have been key to India’s success so far.

2. Virat Kohli

Kohli likes pressure. He likes a challenge. He likes facing the best. When he is sledged, he sledges back. When he’s hit by a bouncer, he shakes it off and hits a century. Time and time again, Virat has shown us that he saves his best for the big occasion. And Australia are one of his favourite opponents.

3. The middle-order

We have a rock at two down in Ajinkya Rahane. Suresh Raina revels under pressure. Notwithstanding the recent dip in form, we all know how cool MS Dhoni can be in tense situations. And, of course, the exploits of Sir Ravindra Jadeja are famous across all continents.

4. The spinners

SCG has traditionally been a spin-friendly pitch. And even though it’s been raining quite a bit ahead of the semi-final, the in-form Ashwin and Jadeja will surely find some life in the pitch. Australia won’t be as confident against spin and the Indian duo can cause them all sorts of trouble.

5. Mohammed Shami

The fact that very few even mentioned Shami in the list of possible leading wicket-takers of the World Cup in the lead-up to the tournament, has worked positively for the Indian pacer. He has got his basics sorted, has consistently hit the deck at the right spot and provided key wickets in almost every single game. With the likes of Starc, Johnson and Hazlewood once again stealing the headlines, Shami will keep doing his things away from the limelight and keep providing Team India with crucial breakthroughs.

6. Form

Well, Australia have lost just one game in their journey to the semis, but going into the last four unbeaten just adds that extra bit of confidence and spark to the Men in Blue. New Zealand’s win over South Africa was a close one, but their winning streak must have also played a part in their incredible chase.

7. Onus on the hosts

Australia will go in as favourites with the home advantage, but that would also put them under a bit of pressure on the day. The four-time World Champions may just crack under the weight of expectations.

8. Indian fans can turn SCG into a home venue

We all saw them turn MCG into a sea of blue during India’s games against South Africa and Bangladesh. At Sydney, we’re likely to see similar scenes since Indian fans have already bought 70 percent of the tickets.