Heartbreak and denial in India

Agencies

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team had bounced back from a winless Test and one-day tour of Australia prior to the World Cup, to reach the quarter-finals with seven straight victories.

But they found Australia too strong at the Sydney Cricket Ground as the hosts piled up 328 for seven before bowling out the defending champions for 233 despite a run-a-ball 65 from MS Dhoni.

Indian fans at home took the defeat very seriously, with some breaking their TV sets and holding demonstrations against Indian cricket players.

Security has also been beefed up outside the residence of Indian captain Dhoni.

“Of course we are disappointed not to be in the final, but then only one team can win. Australia played better cricket today."

Dhoni said the 300-plus target could have been chased if India had wickets in hand, but the Australian fast bowlers took initiative, capturing wickets at regular intervals.

Indian fans shout slogans with posters of Indian cricket player Virat Kohli, left and his girlfriend and Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, right, as they react to India’s defeat in the ICC cricket world cup semi-final match against Australia, in Ahmadabad, India.-AP

An Indian fan reacts following the quick fall of India's wickets as she watches her team's match against Australia during the Cricket World Cup semi-final at Sydney Cricket Ground. ─ AFP

Indian cricket fans watch the last play of India's semi-finals match against Australia, on a giant TV screen at a local mall in New Delhi. ─ AFP

A dejected Indian cricket fan sits among empty plastic seats after the end of India's semi-finals match against Australia, on a giant TV screen at a local mall in New Delhi. ─ AFP

Indian cricket fans react as India bats against Australia during their Cricket World Cup semi-final match in Sydney. ─ Reuters

Indian cricket fans react as they watch on television the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal match between India and Australia in Mumbai, India. ─ AP

Indian cricket fans watch, in silence, the end of India's semi-finals match against Australia, on a giant TV screen at a local mall in New Delhi. ─ AFP http://www.dawn.com/news/1172046/heartbreak-and-denial-in-india