The things didn't start very well for the Australians who lost David Warner early on, after choosing to bat. But Smith and Aaron Finch did well to soak up the pressure and then consolidate the innings. Finch had initial difficulty facing the quicks but Smith was at absolute ease on the pitch. He has been in blistering form over the summer and his confidence was evident from his positive stroke play.
When he got out in the 35th over with the scoreboard at 197, Australia looked well set to post a score around 350. But Indian bowlers did well from there on and got Maxwell, Finch and Clarke in quick succession to put Australia under pressure. In the end, cameos from James Faulkner and Mitchell Johnson ensured that Australia posted an above par score of 328.
In reply, the Indians openers started under pressure and both had early scares. Rohit Sharma was thought to be caught out in the first slip by Shane Watson but the replays showed inconclusive evidence whether the ball safely carried to the fielder. Shikhar Dhawan was dropped by Brad Haddin off Josh Hazlewood who bowled brilliantly with the new ball. The batsmen pounced on the opportunities to setup a good platform reaching 76 in 12 overs, before Dhawan was out needlessly trying to hit Hazlewood.
Clarke sensed the opportunity and brought back Johnson into the attack who got Kohli. Australia then mounted more pressure to remove Sharma and Raina. Rahane and Dhoni absorbed the pressure quite well and built a little partnership. Just as they looked set to accelerate, Smith's awareness broke the partnership. Rahane had edged a ball to the wicket keeper that neither umpire or any other fielder had noticed. But Smith was adamant that the decision be reviewed and so got his team a vital breakthrough. He then run out Ravindra Jadeja with a brilliant throw. And by the time, Dhoni was found short of his crease by Maxwell, it became apparent that there was only going to be one winner. India were eventually bundled up for 233.
Australia now face New Zealand in the battle of co-hosts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. New Zealand have been flying high in this world cup and would feel confident about their chances, having already beaten Australia in the group stage. Australia, though haven't been at their very best throughout the tournament, have churned out the results. They too will back themselves in their own backyard especially that the final would be New Zealand's first game outside their own territory. Who ever might lift the cup, the Sunday's showpiece promises be an exciting contest between the tournament's two best sides.
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