Sydney: Australia played a near perfect game as they went on to beat India by 95 runs in the semi-final of cricket World Cup in Sydney on Thursday. Now, they will play New Zealand in the final on their way to a fifth World Cup title.

Batting first after winning the crucial toss, Steve Smith and Aaron Finch took full control of the match after Australia lost dangerous David Warner (12) cheaply. Smith went on to score 105 off 93 balls while Finch played second fiddle with 81 as the hosts went on to post a formidable 328 for seven at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

In reply, India were bundled out for 233 despite a fantastic opening stand of 76 runs between Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. But after Dhawan departed for 45 off 41 balls, India lost quick wickets that made the chase look improbable. Virat Kohli (1 off 13 balls) failed with the bat on the big occasion while Rohit Sharma (38 off 48) and Suresh Raina (7 off 11), too disappointed.

Though skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (65 off 65 balls) and Ajinkya Rahane (44 off 68 balls) tried to resurrect the Indian innings with 70-run fifth wicket partnership, the mammoth total against World No. 1 team was always going to be a tough chase. And once Dhoni departed in the 45th over, it was just a formality for the hosts.

James Faulkner finished with three for 59, while left-arm fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, India to dismiss Australia under 300 as as in-form seamer Mohammad Shami went for 68 runs in 10 wicketless overs and Umesh Yadav conceded 72 runs in nine overs for his four wickets.

By Indian Sports News Network