Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lauded Indian captain Rohit Sharma and the Indian cricket team following their victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match. On Monday, June 24, India triumphed over Mitchell Marsh’s Australian side by 24 runs at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, securing a place in the semi-finals.
India avenged their defeat in the ODI World Cup final by defeating Australia. Batting first, India set a formidable target, scoring 205 for 5. Rohit Sharma was instrumental in this performance, smashing 92 runs off 41 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. Rohit also recorded the fastest fifty of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls.
Akhtar, impressed by Rohit’s explosive batting, expressed his admiration in a video on his ‘X’ account, stating, “The depression India was going through after their defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup final has changed into obsession. India wanted to take down Australia. Rohit Sharma did what he needed to do. He played with brilliant intent, the way he took down Starc. I wish he scored 150 today.”
Bowlers Shine
Following Rohit’s stellar knock, the Indian bowlers ensured that the Australian batters never got comfortable. Arshdeep Singh was the standout performer with the ball, claiming the wickets of David Warner, Tim David, and Matthew Wade, finishing with figures of 4-0-37-3.
Kuldeep Yadav also played a crucial role, making life difficult for the Australian batsmen with his economical spell of 4-0-24-2. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel contributed with one wicket each, helping to restrict Australia to 181 for 7.
Next Challenge
\India’s victory sets up a semi-final clash against Jos Buttler’s England on June 27 in Guyana.
