DUBAI: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya blitz propelled India to victory over Australia in the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
India successfully chased a challenging target of 265 on a fresh Dubai pitch in 48.1 overs on losing six wickets.
In pursuit of the target, India lost both openers inside the power play. Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) were dismissed quickly, thanks to some good bowling from Australia.
After the early hiccup, Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and Sheryas Iyer added a 91-run stand to steady the chase. Iyer departed after making a well-made 45 off 62 deliveries, featuring three fours.
But Kohli remained steadfast in the chase, forming vital partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul.
He was the standout performer, scoring a flawless 84 off 98, laced with four boundaries, before being dismissed in the 42nd over.
Following his dismissal, Hardik Pandya took control of the chase and struck a quick-fire 28, bringing India close to the victory. He struck three huge sixes in his 28 off 24 balls.
With only 4 required off 12 balls, Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 42, hit the winning runs with a six over midwicket and steered India into their third consecutive Champions Trophy final.
For Australia, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets.
India veteran batter Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance in the all-important Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia.
Earlier, Steve Smith and Alex Carey’s half-centuries set India a target of 265 in 50 overs.
After opting to bat, Australia were bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.
Former champions had a poor start as their new opener, Cooper Connolly, was dismissed for a duck after playing nine deliveries.
After the first wicket, Head and Steve Smith added a quick-fire stand of 50 runs. Travis Head smashed five fours and two sixes in his 39 off 33 deliveries before being dismissed off Varun Chakravarthy.
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Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, but Steve Smith remained firm at one end and kept the scoreboard ticking with crucial partnerships.
He formed a crucial 54-run partnership with Alex Carey for the fifth wicket, bringing Australia close to 200 runs.
Smith remained the top scorer with his gritty knock of 73 runs, which featured four fours and one six.
After Smith’s departure in the 37 overs, Alex Carey took the charge and helped Australia reach a competitive total. He scored 61 off 59 deliveries, with eight fours and one six.
Mohammed Shami was India’s standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets each.
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Playing XIs
Australia: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
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