Didim Today

India remains on course to dazzle their millions of fanatic supporters after defeating cricket world cup heavyweights Australia. The second quarter final at Ahmedabad was a riveting affair and the home crowd got their desired result.

The reigning champions set India a challenging 260 to win but in the end the total was achieved with only five wickets down. But it was not as comfortable for the light blues as the scoreboard may suggest they wobbled for a while before a stunning Yuvraj Singh innings steadied the ship.

India were behind the run rate when he came in and began to stroke the ball around imperiously for 57 not out, probably his most pivotal cricket world cup innings. The left armer also got two vital wickets with his spinners to keep the Australia target within reach. Earlier it had been a tale of two old masters of the game.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting scored a magnificent century, but he only got decent support from wicket keeper Brad Haddin who made 53. In response opener Gautam Gambhir got India off to a solid start and legend Sachin Tendulkar also scored a half century.

But while the little master can still stamp his mark on this 2011 tournament, Ponting has most likely played his last world cup innings for Australia. India will now be favourites to win the competition, though they will face stiff competition from Pakistan in the semi final.

Today South Africa is favoured to beat New Zealand and then the winners will take on the victor of the England vs Sri Lanka contest. With one mouth-watering sub continent semi final already confirmed and a possible India vs Sri Lanka final the world cup is certainly heating up and will definitely draw huge crowds.