MOHALI: Virat Kohli reduced Australia's bowlers to mere bystanders on Sunday with a masterful 82 that led hosts India to a six-wicket win and a World Twenty20 semi-final against West Indies in Mumbai.

The 27-year-old right-handed batsman resurrected India with his unbeaten 51-ball knock from a seemingly tricky position as the hosts sprinted home in their chase of 161 with five balls to spare.

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• India need 161 against Australia to reach semis

Steve Smith and his men, who had hoped to end Australia's ignominy of never winning the T20 World Cup, could only stand and admire as boundaries flowed from Kohli's bat in front of a packed stadium in Mohali.

But some smart bowling from left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and part-timers Yuvraj Singh and Hardik Pandya, who picked up two wickets, in the middle overs halted Australia's progress as they struggled to hit the boundaries.

Glenn Maxwell (31) took his time at the crease but got out just as he started opening his arms. Wicketkeeper Peter Nevill then smashed Pandya for a four and a six off the last two balls as Australia took 15 runs in their final over to reach 160-6.