* Century from Pointing goes in vain

On a gut-wrenching day when Ricky Ponting constructed a century of character, an inspired Yuvraj had the final say in the sweltering cauldron that the Sardar Patel Stadium was on Thursday. The Australian reign in the World Cup, stretching from 1999, had ended. And India is through to the semifinals where it will take on Pakistan in a much-awaited duel at Mohali on March 30.

The arena was a sea of emotions after the irrepressible Yuvraj off-drove Brett Lee to seal the win in the 48th over. Man-of-the-Match Yuvraj and an impressive Suresh Raina orchestrated the Indian comeback after the Aussies held the aces. The rollicking left-handed pair was just right for India at the crunch. Successfully chasing down Australia's 260, the host was home by five wickets. The Indians displayed resolve, fighting from a worrying 187 for five in the 38th over. The game turned on its head.

Published Date : Saturday, 25/3/2011 1:25 PM IST