Is it the 2007 World Cup again? India could play Pakistan in the final at the MCG

Is it the 2007 World Cup again? India could play Pakistan in the final at the MCG

India and Pakistan woke up on Sunday morning to news that the Netherlands had won the tournament, beating South Africa by 13 runs on a crisp day in Adelaide. This was good news for both countries

The loss meant that India qualified for the semifinals hours before their last group game against Zimbabwe.

The loss meant that India qualified for the semifinals hours before their last group game against Zimbabwe.

It also meant that Pakistan's fate was in their own hands, they just needed to beat Bangladesh. 

It also meant that Pakistan's fate was in their own hands, they just needed to beat Bangladesh. 

The Zimbabwe game, though watched by a sellout MCG crowd, was a mere formality.

The Zimbabwe game, though watched by a sellout MCG crowd, was a mere formality.

Eased off the pressure a must-win game would have produced, they crushed Zimbabwe by 71 runs, without enduring tense moments, and churning out their most clinical performance of the tournament.

Moments before the game, Pakistan ensured that they would join them in the last four by beating Bangladesh by five wickets. 

For both India and Pakistan, the last day of the Super 12s was supposed to be filled with tension and suspense. It turned out to be anti-climatic.

India's fast bowling firm was considered less dangerous without Jasprit Bumrah. But the quartet of Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami showed both bark and bite, steel and skill.

Virat Kohli regained his imperious touch; KL Rahul had roared back to form; Rohit Sharma has shown signs of inching closer to his best.