Australia cruised into the semi- finals of the ICC World cup beating India by 95 runs after a Steve Smith inspired century was too much for the Indians.
The Aussies have now set up an epic clash of the host’s where they will meet New Zealand in Sunday’s final in Melbourne.
Australia powered to 328 in their 50 overs the highest in a world cup semi-final, Steve Smith was the catalyst after he scored 105 of just 93 balls.
Aaron Finch provided the support with a fluent 81 of 116 balls to put on a stand of 182 with Smith.
The Aussies however were unable to capitalize on the second partnership momentum with Watson’s 28 being the next highest score.
Surprisingly it was the back length bowling of U Yadav and the tricky off breaks of Ravichandran Ashwin which undone the Aussie batsman.
After losing 4 wickets for 51 runs A quick 27 of just 9 balls from Mitchell Johnson drove the hosts to 328 a more than respectable target even with the firepower at India’s dispense.
India started promisingly with Shikar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma going about their business calmly and collectedly reaching 76 for no loss.
However Sharma began to start firing after smashing Johnson for six he was then clean bowled for 34 by the fast left arm man.
Virat Kohli had often been the man for the big occasion although Johnson had his very quick eye in as he sent the number 3 packing for just 1 as he was caught behind by Brad Haddin.
As the Indian order fell it was always foreseen as a huge task for the away side as the Indians lost their last 10 games on their last tour of Australia.
On a Sydney run fest pitch only a valiant 65 from captain MS Dhoni was too late as he was run out from a direct hit from Glenn Maxwell to leave them 95 runs short.
The Aussies were rampant in the victory with Faulkner joining the party to dismiss Suresh Raina, Hazlewood continued his form after his 4 wickets against Pakistan to force a top edge to cover from Dhawan.
The Indians clinched onto a referral which left Rahane leaving the middle after he built a steady 70 run stand with Dhoni.
Steve Smith was the overall star of the show as he textbooked every shot in the book to become only the fifth Aussie to score a century in the semi-finals of the world cup.