Aaron Finch Stuck Around In The Middle With Steve Smith:
India was undefeated in Australia and New Zealand in their 2015 World Cup campaign, before the MS Dhoni-led side reached the semi-finals. India picked up seven wins in seven games with a potent bat and ball display – beating Pakistan, South Africa, UAE, West Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh to reach the top four, where they faced a significant challenge from Australia’s hosts. The World Cup runners from 2011 looked good to keep the trophy. But instead, the script changed by Steve Smith.
Skipper Michael Clarke of Australia took the toss and elected to bat first. India seamer Umesh Yadav provided an early breakthrough, out David Warner for 12. His partner Aaron Finch stuck in the middle with Steve Smith, who went to score his century even after India’s bowling attack. He hit 11 fours and two sixes in his 93-ball 105 innings at a strike rate of 112.9.
Smith And Finch Stitched A 182-Run Partnership:
Smith and Finch stitched the 2nd wicket for a 182-run partnership before Umesh dismissed the former in 35th over. Finch missed out on his lot, as Umesh fired him for 81.
Despite an insipid middle-order display from the rest of Australia, late big hits from Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner ensured the hosts posted a mammoth total of 328/7 in 50 overs. In response, India could have been bundled out in 46.5 overs for 233 and crashed out of the tournament.
Later on, Australia beat New Zealand to claim the fifth trophy of the World Cup.
