It was yet another forgettable outing for Team India at the T20 World Cup where they got thrashed by England in the semifinals. Having played some of their best cricket in the tournament, Rohit Sharma & Co. were all set to end the 15-year drought this time, but things did not go their way.
The Men in Blue started their campaign on a high with a tremendous victory over Pakistan in the first group match. However, victories against Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe gave them an easy way to the knockouts but the cricket inventors ended their dreams of winning their second major trophy.
Last year, it was Pakistan who defeated Team India by 10 wickets in a group game but this time it’s even more devastating for the side by showing no signs of effort. Apart from this one-sided semifinal in Adelaide, let us take a look at the highest run chases in the T20 World Cup semi-finals to date:
#4 India vs South Africa, 2014 T20 World Cup Semifinal
The 2014 T20 World Cup was a heartbreaking one for India as they lost the final against Sri Lanka. But before that, it was a sensational semifinal where the Men in Blue dominated against South Africa. The Proteas, after scoring 172 were clear favourites to win the encounter but the King, Virat Kohli had some other plans.
After a good cameo from the current captain Rohit Sharma, it was time for Virat Kohli to make his contribution and he did not disappoint his fans. With a 44-ball 72, Kohli was just toying with the bowlers during that game. His magnificent stroke play was enough for the team to achieve victory easily. From South Africa, it was Faf Du Plessis and David Miller who batted brilliantly.
#3 Australia vs Pakistan, 2021 T20 World Cup Semifinal
176 runs on the board in the semifinals is a good score to defend and Pakistan were all in the game. Contributions by Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman helped the Men in Green score a defendable total. Till the 13th over, it was Pakistan’s game when Glenn Maxwell departed for just 7.
Another 80 runs were required in the last 7 and the southpaw Matthew Wade took the charge to finish things off. He got remarkable support from Marcus Stoinis and together they achieved the target in just 19 overs. It was yet another setback for Pakistan in the ICC Tournament.
#2 Australia vs Pakistan, 2010 T20 World Cup Semifinal
Whenever we talk about the T20 World Cup, this match will surely be included in our list. After a magnificent batting performance by Pakistan, it was not easy for Australia on a tough pitch.
The Asian side posted 191 on the board in the semifinal in front of a star-studded Australia. The Kangaroos failed in the beginning with David Warner, Michael Clarke, and David Hussey all going back cheaply.
Michael Hussey struck one big hit in the game against Pakistan in the 2010 T20 World Cup
At one point, it was 144 for 7 in 17.1 overs needing around 50 in the last three overs. At a stage like the T20 World Cup semi-final, it is never easy, but Mr Cricket Michael Hussey made it possible for Australia. He smashed a remarkable 24-ball 60 to grab a sensational victory for his country. The southpaw just tormented Saeed Ajmal in the final over to create history.
#1 India vs West Indies, 2016 T20 World Cup Semifinal
West Indies are one of the sides that are very unpredictable. Like in the ongoing T20 World Cup, they failed to qualify for Super 12, but have already won the World Cup twice in the past. One of them came in 2016 when Carlos Braithwaite showed his power-packed performance in the final.
Coming on to the semi-final, it was India who batted first and once again, and Virat Kohli showed his class. He scored 89 runs off just 47 deliveries that helped India reach 192 in their 20 overs. Contributions from Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane made things easier for the Men in Blue.
It was a winning total on a flat deck of Wankhede and with Chris Gayle going back to the pavilion, it was a mere formality for India to bowl 20 overs. Lendl Simmons snatched the game from the hands of India as the right-hander just magnificently played an innings of 51-ball 82 and helped West Indies win a dramatic game.