Kohli powers India into T20 World Cup semis

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 82 that helped India defeat Australia and seal its place in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup tournament. Batting first, Australia set a target of 161 runs which was successfully chased by the hosts in a thrilling finish.

Virat Kohli (left) celebrates past Australia's James Faulkner after India defeated Australia in Mohali on Sunday. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Opening batsmen Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja gave Australia the perfect start as they put on 54 runs for the first wicket. Khawaja scored 26 while Finch was dismissed on 43 runs.

Thereafter, India’s bowlers pegged Australia back with some economical bowling and restricted Australia to 160 runs.

In reply, Indian batsmen started shakily losing three quick wickets under 50 runs.

However, Kohli yet again shouldered the responsibility of guiding India to a memorable win. He first stitched an important 45 run partnership with Yuvraj Singh and an unbeaten 57 run partnership with skipper MS Dhoni who blasted 18 runs in just 10 balls. Kohli’s 82 runs came in just 51 balls and contained nine fours and two sixes.

Shane Watson was the pick of the Australian bowlers claiming two wickets for 23 runs.

India now face the West Indies while England take on New Zealand in the semifinals.