India's double World Cup-winner
Yuvraj Singh
rolled back the clock with his vintage big hits on Friday at
Northampton
to entertain the fans while scoring a brisk half-century in India's win over Australia in the second semifinal of the
World Championship of Legends
.
India's 86-run win set up a final on Saturday against archrivals Pakistan, who defeated West Indies in the first semifinal by 20 runs.
Coming out to bat at No. 4, the
India Champions
skipper Yuvraj struck 5 sixes and 4 fours during his 28-ball stay that produced 59 runs.
In addition, Yuvraj, in partnership with Yusuf Pathan, added 54 runs in just four overs to take the attack to the Aussies before the India captain was cleaned up by Peter Siddle, who finished with figures of 4 for 57. India ended up with a mammoth 254 for 6.
Yuvraj was named 'Player of the Match' for his knock.
WATCH YUVRAJ'S INNINGS
Put in to bat first by Australia, India's middle order was set up by opener Robin Uthappa's fiery 65 off 35 balls, which included 4 sixes and 6 fours.
Despite Ambati Rayudu (14) and Suresh Raina (5) falling cheaply, Uthappa never lifted his foot off the accelerator as an equally dominant Yuvraj joined him for a 47-run partnership for the third wicket.
The game also witnessed a show put up by Pathan brothers, with Irfan joining his elder brother Yusuf, and the duo smashed 95 runs in just 5.4 overs to send the Aussie bowlers to the cleaners, with Irfan being the more dominant of the two, scoring 50 off just 19 balls.
Yusuf remained not out at 51 off 23 balls.
The Australian openers, Shaun Marsh (2) and Aaron Finch (16), failed to provide a solid foundation for the challenging run-chase. Along with Ben Dunk (10), the top three batsmen were dismissed within the Powerplay, leaving Australia in a vulnerable position at 42 for 3.
The Australian batting lineup continued to crumble until Tim Paine (40 not out off 32 balls) and Nathan Coulter-Nile, who contributed a rapid 30 off 13 balls, attempted to stage a late comeback. But despite their efforts, the Australian pursuit fell short, concluding at 168 for 7.
The Indian bowling attack collectively contributed to their success. Pawan Negi spearheaded the bowling effort with figures of 2 for 35, while Dhawal Kulakarni (2 for 43) also claimed two wickets. Rahul Shukla (1 for 25), Harbhajan Singh (1 for 16) and Irfan (1 for 18) each secured one wicket, rounding off a comprehensive bowling performance.
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