Co-hosts Australia take on rivals India in a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final clash at the SCG.
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The pressure could not be higher for both sides as they aim to set up a clash with New Zealand in Sunday’s final at the MCG, but which will be the biggest battles to keep an eye on?
Check them out below!
Michael Clarke v. MS Dhoni
Just who will come out on top in the battle of the captains?
Clarke has proven his tactical nous throughout the years, but Dhoni is a wily old fox who knows how to get results.
Both skippers will no doubt be busy trying to keep their players’ emotions in check in what will most likely be a fiery encounter between two teams with plenty of history between each other.
David Warner v. Mohammed Shami
Shami has been India’s form bowler this tournament and he’ll be looking to dismiss Australian opener David Warner early at the SCG.
The Indian quick has taken 17 wickets so far in the tournament and will be backing himself to send Australia’s key batsman back to the pavilion.
On the other hand, Warner fears no bowler and will attack Shami from the outset and look to assert himself over the Indian bowling attack.
Mitchell Starc v. Shikar Dhawan
Starc is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament (18) and will target Shikar Dhawan early on in India’s innings.
Dhawan, along with Rohit Sharma, are two of India’s most destructive batsman, with the former finding plenty of form during the World Cup.
Both players entered the World Cup under pressure but both have duly delivered.
This battle is certainly is one to watch.
Mitchell Johnson v. Virat Kohli
The fiery Australian quick has stated he will take over the chief sledging role off David Warner on Thursday, and no doubt it will be Virat Kohli he’ll go after the most.
Kohli loves nothing more than a verbal battle and he’ll stand his ground against Johnson.
Aside from the war of words, Johnson will be looking to dismiss Kohli as soon as possible, with Kohli having racked up some big scores against the Aussies over the recent summer.
Glenn Maxwell v. Ravindra Jadeja
A battle of the all-rounders, both Maxwell and Jadeja have come into form during the World Cup.
Maxwell has been scintillating with the bat and solid with the ball during the tournament and the Victorian would love nothing better than to get one over one of his side’s biggest rivals.
Jadeja was excellent in India’s quarter-final win over Bangladesh and finally looks to be delivering on the promise he has showed for so long.
The winner of this battle could have a big say in swinging the clash in their side’s favour…
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