India end Australia’s reign to reach semis

India’s Yuvraj Singh walks off the field as teammate Virat Kohli hugs Suresh Raina (L-R) in front of Australia’s players. (Reuters/KarishmaSingh)

AHMEDABAD, India (Reuters) – India sparked wild celebrations among its billion plus fans after ending Australia’s remarkable 12-year reign as World Cup champions with a thrilling five-wicket win in the quarter-finals yesterday.

Chasing 261 for victory, India fumbled and faltered but half-centuries from Sachin Tendulkar (53), Gautam Gambhir (50) and Yuvraj Singh (57 not out) eventually helped them to overwhelm the target with 14 balls to spare and set up a mouthwatering semi-final with Pakistan.

However, when India lost the wickets of Tendulkar, Virat Kohli