In a thrilling encounter, India defeats Australia by four wickets securing their spot in the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match was held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, showcased stellar performances from both sides, with Virat Kohli’s exceptional innings being the highlight.
With Australia opting to bat first after winning the toss, scored a total of 264 runs before being bowled out in 49.3 overs. The Australian skipper Steve Smith scored 73 runs off 96 balls giving stability to Australian batting while Alex Carey scored 61 runs off 57 deliveries further helping the Kangaroos to reach a chaseable total.
Travis Head also scored quick 39 runs to provide early momentum to the team. While Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy took two wickets each, effectively restricting Australia’s total.
Chasing a target of 265, India faced early setbacks with the dismissals of openers Shubman Gill (8) and captain Rohit Sharma (28), leaving the team at 43 for 2. However, a crucial 91-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer steadied the innings. Kohli exhibited his trademark composure, scoring 84 runs off 98 balls, while Iyer contributed 45 runs. After Iyer’s departure, Axar Patel added 27 runs, maintaining the chase’s momentum.
KL Rahul’s unbeaten 42 off 34 balls, along with Hardik Pandya’s quick 28, ensured India reached the target with 11 balls to spare, finishing at 267 for 6.
Even after taking important wickets the Australian bowlers struggled to break the consistency of India’s middle order. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa added two tickets each to the Australian tally but failed to maintain the pressure of run chase on the Indian team.
Virat Kohli adds another feather to his hat after the match winning performance in today’s game. Kohli completed 8,000 runs in ODI chases, making him the only player after Sachin Tendulkar to achieve this feat. His innings not only anchored India’s chase but also reinforced his reputation as one of the game’s finest chase-masters.
The victory secured a spot for the Indian team in the tournament final, the winner of the semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa will face India in the final. The final is scheduled to be held in Dubai, where India has played all their matches due to political tensions with Pakistan.
Today’s victory is being hailed as the much-needed vendetta for the Men in Blue after their defeat to the Kangaroos in the ICC ODI World Cup that took place on November 19, 2023, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As India prepares for the final, the team’s balance between experienced players and emerging talents offers a promising outlook.
The upcoming match will be an opportunity for India to secure their first 50-over ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy, adding to the anticipation among fans and cricketing pundits alike.
