Tendulkar lauds Kohli's 'special' innings after India enter World T20 semis

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has showered praise over Indian prolific batsman Virat Kohli after he smashed a quick-fire 82-run knock to help his side thump Australia by six wickets to storm into the semifinals of the World Twenty20 at Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali on Sunday.

The in-form batting mainstay continued to reprise his role as Australia's tormentor-in-chief as he struck nine fours and two sixes in his 51-ball knock as India chased down the massive target of 161 runs with five balls to spare.

Describing Kohli's innings as 'special', the master blaster congratulated Team India for their splendid performance.

"Woooow @imVkohli ...special it was... Great win, fighting all the way! #IndvsAus," Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, India top-order batsmen once again failed to click as they were reeling at 49-3 at 7.4 overs before Kohli engineered two crucial partnerships with Yuvraj Singh (21) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (18 not out) to help India clinch an emphatic victory.

In contrast, India bowlers also made a brilliant comeback to restrict Australia to 160 for six despite a thunderous start given by Aaron Finch (43) and Usman Khwaja (26).

With the win, India have set up a semifinal showdown against West Indies which will be played on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.