India registered their seventh consecutive victory to reach the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal. Despite Travis Head’s 43-ball 76, India beat Australia by 24 runs to top the Group 1 and will face England in the second semifinal at Providence Stadium, Guyana on June 27. Ahead of the semifinal rematch against defending champions England, skipper Rohit Sharma has told his team to continue playing freely.
"We don't want to do anything different, play the same way, and understand what each person has to do. Play freely and not think too much about what's lying ahead. Do not think about the opposition. We have been doing it consistently, just need to continue," Rohit Sharma said after handing Australia’s fate in hands of Bangladesh.
"It would be nice, nothing changes for us as a team. We want to focus on what we have been doing well," Rohit replied when asked about facing England.
The last time India took on England in the semifinal was in the previous edition. Jos Buttler’s side beat India India by 10 wickets to end their campaign.
How Rohit countered Australia’s plan
Rohit went berserk at Daren Sammy National Stadium, St Lucia and smashed eight sixes in his 41-ball 92. After registering his highest score in T20 World Cups, Rohit explained how he made a few changes to counter Australian bowlers’ plan to make him hit against the breeze.
"I thought right from over number one, there was a strong breeze blowing across. They (Australia) changed their plan, bowling against the breeze, so I realised I had to open up the off side as well.
"You've got to factor in the breeze and understand that the bowlers are smart as well and open up all sides of the field. When you keep an open mind and not just think of one shot, you can access all areas of the field," said the 36-year-old.
No regrets upon missing century
Rohit missed his maiden T20 World Cup century but was happy with the way he played.
"You want to make big scores, yes, but at the same time you want to make the bowlers think where the next shot is coming, and I think I managed to do that today," he added.
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