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'Well done team India on a good and brave World Cup campaign'

March 26, 2015 19:18 IST

Indian players look dejected after losing the World Cup semi-final game against Australia in Sydney. Photograph: Vipin Pawar/Solaris Images

India lost the World Cup semi-final to Australia by 95 runs but that did not stop cricketers and other athletes the world over from acknowledging their good work in the mega event.

Sachin Tendulkar led with the appreciation of both teams.

Well played in the ICC World Cup Team India. A tough game today and a loss is always difficult to handle," Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.

"But you have played some terrific cricket throughout and all the fans have enjoyed watching you. Congratulations to Australia for a convincing win. Steve Smith's hundred, Finch's support to him and a strong finish by Johnson made the difference," the Indian legend added.

This means that Sunday's World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand will be the first title clash without an Asian team since 1987.

The last final without an Asian challenger was played in 1987 when Australia beat England by seven runs at the Eden Gardens.

From 1992 to 2011, either India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan reached the title clash of the 50-over showpiece event.

‘It was always tough for India unless Virat stayed in’ 

Mitchell Johnson of Australia celebrates taking the wicket of Virat Kohli of India during the World Cup semi-final match. Photograph: Matt King/Getty Images

Kumar Sangakkara, who smashed four consecutive hundreds in the tournament, felt Australia were simply the better team.

"Aus too strong overall. Steve smith keeps on going. It was always tough for India unless Virat stayed in. Will be a cracker of a final," tweeted the Sri Lankan great.

"Sport is like this... Well done team india on a good and brave World Cup campaign," wrote shooter Abhinav Bindra, India's sole individual Olympic gold medallist.

Australia face New Zealand in the final at MCG on Sunday.

"Congrats to the Australian team, you were outstanding tonight. The final will be Aust & NZ !! Wow, it's going to be a cracker, who's going ?" wrote Shane Warne, who was commentating in the semi-final.

‘Ind might have lost the semis but they should be proud at the way they played’

Brad Haddin shakes hands with MS Dhoni after the game. Photograph: Vipin Pawar/Solaris Images

Former India opener Aakash Chopra said: "In the end 'cricketing logic' has prevailed...the better team has won. Aus started as favourites, played as favourites too. Worthy finalists!"

"india had a rely gd tournament Sad for my boys but Australia has played some outstanding cricket in this w cup deserves to be in the final," said Yuvraj Singh.

"Ind might have lost the semis but they should be proud at the way they played from the start of the WC.Aus was a better side today," felt VVS Laxman.

Pakistan spinner praised Indian captain MS Dhoni for his leadership throughout the tournament.

"Well played Aust, in particular @stevesmith49 – you were a delight to watch. hard luck India,  @msdhoni you are a great leader and a player," wrote Ajmal.

The Bollywood was not far behind in acknowledging India's impressive run in the tournament where they won seven games in a row.

"Well played Australia. Thank you to the Indian team for taking us to the semis. Hard luck and well played," wrote actor Aamir Khan.

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