Virat Kohli’s masterful 84 and a composed finish from KL Rahul guide India to a dramatic victory, securing a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy final.
Dubai, March 6 – India marched into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a nail-biting 4-wicket victory over Australia, successfully chasing down 265 runs in 48.1 overs at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.
Virat Kohli’s match-winning 84 off 94 balls, supported by Shreyas Iyer (45) and KL Rahul (42),* anchored India’s chase after Australia had set a competitive 264-run target. The thrilling win sets up a high-stakes final against New Zealand or South Africa.
India’s Chase: Kohli and Rahul Steer India to Victory
Chasing 265 for a place in the final, India lost early wickets but found stability through Kohli’s brilliance and key contributions from the middle order.
Key Moments in India’s Chase:
- Rohit Sharma (28 off 27) started positively but was trapped LBW by Cooper Connolly.
- Shubman Gill (8 off 14) struggled before Ben Dwarshuis cleaned him up.
- Kohli took charge, playing a calculated knock to steady the innings.
- Shreyas Iyer (45 off 55) built a crucial partnership with Kohli but was bowled by Adam Zampa.
- Axar Patel (27) and Hardik Pandya (28) played aggressive cameos, keeping India in control.
- KL Rahul (42 off 52)* guided India home with an unbeaten knock, along with *Ravindra Jadeja (2)**, ensuring a four-wicket win in 48.1 overs.
India finished at 267/6, sealing their spot in the Champions Trophy final.
Australia’s Innings: Smith and Carey’s Fifties Power 264-Run Total
Earlier, Australia elected to bat first after winning the toss but suffered early setbacks.
Key Highlights from Australia’s Innings:
- Cooper Connolly (0) fell early to Shami, caught behind by KL Rahul.
- Travis Head (39 off 33) counterattacked but was caught at long-off off Varun Chakravarthy.
- Steve Smith’s 73 off 96 balls anchored the innings, but his dismissal by Shami proved costly.
- Alex Carey (60 off 57 balls) played a crucial knock at No. 6, helping Australia reach a respectable total.
- Glenn Maxwell (7), Josh Inglis (11), and Marnus Labuschagne (29) struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Australia were bundled out for 264 in 49.3 overs, with Shami (3/48) leading the attack, supported by Varun Chakravarthy (2/41), Jadeja (2/46), Hardik Pandya (1/34), and Axar Patel (1/40).
India to Face New Zealand or South Africa in the Final
With this thrilling win, India now awaits the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa.
India, unbeaten in the tournament, will now look to carry their momentum into the grand final and claim Champions Trophy glory.