Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar's stellar performances powered India to a commanding total of 220 runs in 20 overs against Australia Masters in Raipur.
Australia Masters won the toss and elected to bat first, allowing openers Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu to make their way to the crease. Sachin Tendulkar showcased his vintage form, taking on the Australian bowling attack during the powerplay. Despite losing Rayudu early, Tendulkar batted magnificently, delighting the Raipur crowd with his eye-catching shots. India had a solid start, finishing the powerplay at 62 for 2 in six overs.
Yuvraj Singh joined his idol Sachin in the middle. Until this match, Yuvraj hadn’t found consistent scoring in the tournament. However, he reminded everyone of his prowess against Australian bowlers, as he unleashed his vintage style, smashing seven sixes and scoring his first fifty of the tournament in grand fashion. He continued his aggressive batting until he was dismissed by Xavier Doherty and caught by Shaun Marsh, leaving the crease with a score of 59 runs off 30 balls. At this point, the score stood at 150 for 4 with five overs remaining.
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In the death overs, the partnership between Stuart Binny and Yusuf Pathan took center stage. They contributed a quick-fire 49 runs in just 22 balls. Binny scored 36 runs off 21 deliveries before getting out, while Yusuf Pathan finished his innings with a brisk 23 runs off 10 balls.
Irfan Pathan saved his hitting for the last over, scoring a rapid 19 runs off just 7 balls, leading India to a formidable total of 220 runs on the board. Thanks to the strong partnership of Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar, along with the late efforts of Binny and Pathan, India Masters posted an impressive score.
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Australia now needs to chase down 221 runs to win the match and qualify for the finals. They have achieved such feats before, but not against this bowling lineup. Stay tuned to watch the highlights of the second innings as Australia begins their chase in Raipur.
