ICC World Cup 2015: Australia knock defending champions India out, to face New Zealand in final

Australia continue their unbeaten record of being undefeated in a World Cup semi final match, after they defeated India in the last four of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Things did not go in India's favour right from the start as MS Dhoni lost a crucial toss, on a wicket that favoured batsmen. The hosts managed 328 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs.

India, in reply were bowled out for 233 runs as the co-hosts sealed a 95-run victory over the defending champions. Australia will face now New Zealand in the final match at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Earlier in the match, bowling first, the defending champions got rid of David Warner. However, Aaron Finch and Steven Smith put on a partnership of 182 runs for the second wicket, which gave the platform for Australia to post the huge total.

Smith was dismissed after his century in the 35th over, following which Glen Maxwell, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson played a cameo in helping Australia go past 300 runs in the semi final.

In reply, India got off to a good start as opener Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma kept the score card ticking. However, in-form batsman Dhawan was dismissed for 45 and Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina gave away their wickets cheaply.

Then MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane took to the pitch, hoping to chase down the total. But Rahane's effort ended in an anti-climax fashion after a review from Smith, who was at point led to his dismissal as neither the keeper nor the bowler had appealed for his wicket.

From then on, India lost wickets at regular intervals and they were bowled out in the 47th over. They were the defending champions and will now have to bow out of the tournament, after their first defeat in the tournament.

Steven Smith's 105 runs off 93 balls and brilliant fielding helped him win the man of the match award.

Australia will now travel to Melbourne as they take on New Zealand in the final of the 2015 ICC World Cup on Sunday.