And so it ended, not with a bang or a whimper, but something in between — India’s reign as world champion. In the sort of life-comes-full-circle moment that cricket so often produces, M.S. Dhoni’s men >were ejected by the team they had dethroned in the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup — Australia. A chase of 329, subjected to the constricting pressure knockout matches exert, was a tall task; no team before Australia on Thursday had crossed 300 in a semi-final. A margin of 95 runs suggests a thumping. There is some truth in it, for India was outgunned, but this wasn’t a performance without fight or character from the defending champion. After Australia won an important toss and threatened to put the contest beyond its opponent, thanks to a masterly 105 from Steve Smith, India pulled things back. The bowling and the fielding, which have seen such dramatic improvement since the horrors of the tri-series, came together between overs 38 and 43. Dhoni’s captaincy was sharp, attacking. But Australia wrestled free in the final few overs. India’s pursuit had its moments: when Shikhar Dhawan was at the crease and when Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane were soaking up pressure, the faith of those who believe in miracles could not be shaken. But chases of over 320 demand a big hundred from a batsman in the top five. On the day, against high-quality pace bowling, it was not forthcoming.
But in sport there is no shame in losing to a stronger opponent. India surprised many — but not itself, claimed Virat Kohli before the semi-final — with the quality of cricket it played. Very few who followed the team through the Tests and the tri-series Down Under, where not one win came, foresaw an unbeaten run to the semi-finals. But Australia in Australia remained a bridge too far. Michael Clarke’s men had the ability to hurt India in a variety of ways — not least in the field, where two direct hits late in the innings ended the longest of long shots. Kohli’s wicket earlier was vital, for he has an excellent record in chases. Australia had clearly planned for him, bowling wide and frustrating him before springing a short ball. With Mitchell Starc having five overs up his sleeve for the batting Powerplay and the death overs, Clarke had all bases covered. Australia will begin Sunday’s final in Melbourne as the favourite in a home game. But in New Zealand, it faces a tough challenge. Under Brendon McCullum, the Kiwis have played sparkling, intelligent cricket, both gladdening the heart — except South Africa’s, which it broke — and engaging the mind. When the two met earlier, New Zealand edged a suspense-filled thriller by one wicket. If the final turns out to be anything like that game, the World Cup will have a memorable capstone.
