Indian Fans Snap Up 70% of Tickets for Semi-Final Against Australia in Sydney

Australian cricket supporters who thought "home" advantage against India would help them reach the Cricket World Cup final might have to think again. The two teams meet in the semi-final on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The match between the two superpowers is being played at the SCG, but it might feel more like Eden Gardens in Kolkata because 70 per cent of the tickets sold for the match have reportedly been snapped up by Indian fans, per the Express. 

Kartik Ayyalasomayajula of India's biggest supporters' group, the Swami Army, explained that the passion for cricket in the subcontinent cannot be matched and that is why so many supporters will be wearing blue at the sold-out clash. 

He told India Today:

"

India versus Australia in a World Cup semi-final, it doesn't get much bigger than that. This country won't have seen this level of support or atmosphere for cricket games," Kartik said.

You have to go to the sub-continent countries to get that kind of feel, so we are effectively bringing that atmosphere to Sydney. It's going to be a spectacle.

"

Meanwhile, Australia captain Michael Clarke took to Twitter to try to make sure the home fans could at least make an impact.

"

I call on all Australian cricket lovers to paint the SCG gold on Thursday. We need your support. #goldout

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 20, 2015"

"

Bring your flags, shirts, hats. #goldout

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 20, 2015"

The winners will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday.

[India Today]