In the Super 10 Group 2 match at Mohali last night, India won against Australia (wt20) and Virat Kohli’s contribution of 82 not out, supported the team well.

Australia winded up with 160/6, after electing to bat. Ashish Nehra (1/20), Ravindra Jadeja (0/20) and part-time bowler Yuvraj Singh (1/19) performance needs loud applause.

The semis spot was on the line and it required some quick thinking from skipper Dhoni, who looked pensive as Australia scored 50 in just 3.4 overs, but kept searching for the right formula.

Openers Usman Khawaja (26) and Aaron Finch (43) took R. Ashwin (1/31 off two overs) and young Jasprit Bumrah (1/32) to the cleaners. Khawaja was extremely punishing on Bumrah, picked up four boundaries in the pacer’s very first over, while Finch slammed two huge sixes off Ashwin, to take Australia to 53/0 in 4 overs.

On the other side, Asish Nehra was going strong, mixing the pace well and foxing the batsmen with guile, but with little support from the other end, India kept leaking runs.

Nehra brought about the breakthrough removing Khawaja off a full delivery (54/1) before Ravindra Jadeja and Yuvraj Singh made good use of the conditions, to slow down Australia’s brisk scoring rate.

With David Warner (6) and Steve Smith (2) falling in quick succession, and Hardik Pandya (2/36) removing dangerman Finch with a short delivery, the hosts slowly found their way back.

By Phani Ch