India beat Australia by 86 runs to reach WCL 2024 final

India emerged victorious against Australia by 86 runs in the second semi-final of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, held at the County Ground in Northampton on Friday.

India delivered a commanding performance, excelling with both bat and ball, to secure a resounding win over their Australian counterparts. Set a formidable target of 255 runs, Australia struggled from the outset, as the Indian bowlers exerted relentless pressure.

Australia’s key batsmen, including Shaun Marsh (2), Aaron Finch (16), Ben Dunk (10), and Callum Ferguson (23), failed to make significant contributions, leaving the team well short of the target. The Australian innings concluded at 168-7 in the allotted overs.

In the first innings, India, having been asked to bat first, saw Robin Uthappa spearhead their efforts with a blistering 35-ball 65, featuring 10 boundaries. Captain Yuvraj Singh continued the momentum with a rapid 59 off 28 balls before being dismissed by Peter Siddle.

Following Yuvraj's departure, Irfan and Yousuf Pathan took charge, punishing the Australian bowlers with a 95-run partnership. Irfan scored a quickfire 50 from 19 balls, while Yousuf added 51 off 23 balls. For Australia, Peter Siddle claimed four wickets, with Nathan Coulter-Nile and Xavier Doherty taking one each.

India is set to clash with Pakistan in the tournament final on Saturday at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.