The Indian cricket team will go head to head against co-hosts Australia in the second semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2015, at SCG, on Thursday. The winner of this riveting contest will meet New Zealand in the final at MCG in Melbourne on March 29. The unbeaten record of the Indian juggernaut against an upbeat ‘at-home’ Aussie side promises a nail-biting finisher. And just like a ll those years, the winner take it all!
Although Sydney has been receiving rain since Tuesday morning, weather forecast for match day points towards a mostly sunny sky. Maximum temperature is expected to reach 26°C, while minimum will stick around 18°C. Around 60% humidity will be experienced but light to moderate winds of about 15 to 20 kmph will continue to blow from the northwest direction.
MS Dhoni and his men have put their long stay in Australia to good use in the ICC World Cup 2015. The team has maintained a 100% win record and has dismissed their opposition in all seven games. The batsmen have struck form and from one sided dominating wins to nervy finishes, the men in blue have it all covered. Australia on the other hand have played some exceptional cricket since the start of the tournament. Clarke’s boys will take field with home advantage and a well-balanced side backing them. The pitch at SCG will be crucial in deciding the course of the match. From where we stand right now, a high-scoring game awaits cricket aficionados on Thursday.
Stats do paint a rosy picture for the Aussies ahead of their clash against defending champs India. Out of the 13 games played between the two at the SCG, India have won just one. Moreover, Australia have played six World Cup semi-finals and haven’t lost a single one yet. Also, in the last 10 ODIs that Australia have played at the SCG, they’ve won 8 and lost only 2. But there is light at the end of the tunnel for India too. India have not lost a single wicket in the batting power play this World Cup. Also, when it comes to knockout games in the world cup, India and Australia are tied at 1-1. Lastly, no team has been able to record a total of 300 or more against the Indian bowling line-up in this world cup.
But come Thursday and both stats and sayings will fade away. At the end of the day, it may boil down to a single catch; a missed opportunity; or an hour of exceptional cricket from either side of the camp. Simply speaking, the second semi-final will further enrich the excitement that the first semi-final has left behind. Skymet will keep you updated on weather, cricket, and more as the defending champs aim to cross the Aussie hurdle.
