Virat Kohli reduced Australia's bowlers to mere bystanders on Sunday with a masterful 82 that led hosts India to a six-wicket win and an ICC World T20 semi-final against West Indies in Mumbai.
The 27-year-old right-handed batsman resurrected India with his unbeaten 51-ball knock from a seemingly tricky position as the hosts sprinted home in their chase of 161 with five balls to spare.
Steve Smith and his men, who had hoped to end Australia's ignominy of never winning the T20 World Cup, could only stand and admire as boundaries flowed from Kohli's bat in front of a packed stadium in Mohali.
The Group Two game was a knockout match for both sides and Australia looked well and truly in the driving seat until the end of the 17th over of India's chase.
Watch India vs Australia Cricket Match Highlights, ICC World T20 2016
Advertisement
India beat Australia to qualify for the ICC World T20 2016 semifinal in Mohali on Sunday night. Virat Kohli's superb 82 proved to be a match-winner after Australia scored 160 on a tricky wicket. The India vs Australia match highlights are available on YouTube.
Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 off 51 balls helped India reach the World T20 semifinals.© AFP