AHMEDABAD – Pakistan are set to face archrivals India in the second semi-final of the Cricket World Cup in Mohali after the co-hosts beat defending champions Australia by five wickets in the second quarter-final on Thursday.
Australia, who won the last three World Cups, made 260 for 6 after winning the toss, with skipper Ricky Ponting making a century, but India finished on 261 for five in the 48th over to secure their place in the semi-final, which will take place on March 30.
India fumbled and faltered during their chase but half-centuries from Sachin Tendulkar (53), Gautam Gambhir (50) and Yuvraj Singh (57 not out) eventually helped them overwhelm the target with 14 balls to spare and set up a mouthwatering semi-final with Pakistan.
In-form Pakistan head into the epic encounter with back-to-back victories against Australia, whom they defeated in the final group match, and West Indies, who crumbled before the Pakistani bowlers for a meagre 112 in the first quarter-final.
India struggled in the group stage despite being tournament favourites, but with both teams possessing arguably the best sides either has managed to put together in years, a nail-biter of a semi-final is all but a surety.
