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SYDNEY. — Steve Smith struck a superb century to set up a 95-run win for Australia over India in their Cricket World Cup semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday. Smith scored 105 off just 93 balls as Australia posted 328-7 despite paceman Umesh Yadav picking up 4-72. India could only muster 233 all out off 46.5 overs in reply despite 65 from MS Dhoni. Left-arm seamer James Faulkner ended with 3-59.

Smith and Aaron Finch, with 81, provided the platform for Australia’s innings with a 182-run second-wicket partnership.

India looked as if they might have had to chase down over 350 but they fought back well late in the innings to hold Australia to 248-5 but late cameos from Faulkner (21) and Mitchell Johnson (27 not out off 12 balls) provided the innings with some late impetus. Umesh Yadav ended with 4-72. India made a good start to their run chase as they reached 76 without loss thanks to Shikhar Dhawan (45) and Rohit Sharma (34).

But Dhawan was dismissed by seamer Josh Hazelwood and India never really threatened to win the match after that.

Australia will play New Zealand in the final in Melbourne on Sunday.

Australia captain Michael Clarke was, understandably, pleased with Smith’s century, that included 11 fours and two sixes, and the performance of his bowlers in restricting a strong India batting line-up.

“I think that the boys have played some outstanding cricket. Smitty (Smith) was exceptional once again. He’s hitting the ball so sweetly and I was really proud of the execution under pressure from our bowlers. Everybody chipped in today,” he said at the post-match presentation.

Clarke said that his team’s loss to New Zealand during the group phase had been instrumental in Australia raising their game to advance to the final.

“We are playing some really good cricket at the moment. I think losing to New Zealand gave us a kick up the backside. We worked on areas that we needed to and the most pleasing thing for me has been the way that we have trained. I think we have improved every game and now we are excited to be in a final,” he explained.

Australia will have their chance for revenge when they clash with New Zealand in the final and Clarke said he was expecting a tough match against their near-neighbours.

“Brendon McCullum (New Zealand captain) has done a fantastic job there. They are playing some great cricket and we need to be at our best. It is always great to play against New Zealand,” he said.

India captain Dhoni said that he was pleased with the way that his bowlers had fought back to restrict Australia but felt that his batsmen had failed to capitalise on the good start from the openers.

“It was a difficult score to chase but I thought it was just over par. They were looking as if they would score 340 or 350 runs but we came back quite well. A lot of people did not think we would get so far in the tournament but when you get to the knock out stages you have to lift your game. I felt we got off to a good start (with the bat). Shikhar’s dismissal was on the soft side. He was scoring quite freely and he should have just batted a few more overs. He didn’t really need to play a big shot,” said Dhoni. — AFP.