India reach Semifinals of ICC Champions Trophy

With a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies, India reached the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time since 2002. Shikhar Dhawan scored his second consecutive hundred. He had earlier scored his maiden hundred in the match against South Africa. Rohit Sharma cemented his place as an opener with two successive fifties.

Earlier, India won the toss and elected to field first. Ravindra Jadeja took five wickets to restrict the West Indies. A late onslaught by Darren Sammy (56*) and well-made 60 by Johnson Charles helped West Indies post 233/9 in 50 overs. Gayle (21), Darren Bravo (35), Dwayne Bravo (25) and Pollard (22) were the other contributors.

In reply, Dhawan and Rohit Sharma added 101 runs for the first wicket. Rohit scored 52, while Dhawan remained unbeaten on 102. India reached 236/2 in 39.1 overs. Kohli made 22. Dinesh Karthik remained unbeaten on 51. Sunil Narine took two wickets. Ravindra Jadeja was declared “Man of the Match”.

With India’s victory, Pakistan crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy. The other semifinalist from this group will be decided through the match between South Africa and West Indies. Both of them got lifelines after beating Pakistan in their respective matches.